Tideway School redevelopment

In April 2005, Tideway School in Newhaven was hit by an arson attack. Large parts of the school burnt down. Work is now underway to rebuild the school, with an expected completion date of February 2009.

Redevelopment plans

Large parts of the existing school will be completely rebuilt, and other parts will be modernised and integrated into a single complex.

The school is made up of a central block and six linked accommodation blocks (A-F), between one and four storeys high. Blocks D and E will be refurbished and joined together so that they are same number of storeys high. Blocks A, B, C and F will be demolished.

Block C will then be re-built and linked to Block D. A new building will be constructed providing hall, kitchen, library, administration areas and front entrance, and will link the remaining buildings together.

All members of the school community have had an input into the design work for the new school.

For a more detailed overview of the proposals, view the meeting papers of the Planning Committee from 16 May 2007

Wheelchair accessibility

Wider corridors, door openings, and suitably sized lifts within the buildings will allow the whole school campus to be wheelchair accessible.

The application to redevelop the school

The application was submitted by the Children's Services Department to the planning service in the Transport and Environment Department. This department advises the County Council's Planning Committee in its separate, statutory role as Planning Authority.

The Children's Services Department has worked very closely with the school to draw up the best possible redevelopment plan.

Minimising disruption for pupils and staff

A lot of planning has gone into providing alternative accommodation on the site to minimise disruption while the works are on-going. We have also tried to ensure ensure that major works, including demolition, happen during the school holidays.

School admissions

The school capacity will be reduced from its original maximum intake of 1,600 pupils to 750.

The cost

It will cost £10.8 million to rebuild the school.

Opening date

Building work on the school began in July 2007. It is hoped the work will be finished by February 2009.