Swan Valley Community School

A true community resource

 

NewSchools, in a consortium with Wates and Atkins Facilities Managers completed the construction of the second phase of the Swan Valley Community School including a Life Long Learning Centre and library facility together with a new primary school at Craylands Lane, both in Swanscombe, Kent.  Both schools opened to pupils, staff and the community in October 2002.

 

The school serves a local housing development. Developed in two phases, phase one welcomed 400 pupils. The Swan Valley scheme extended the existing building to more than double the footprint of the building to accommodate 1050 pupils. The building comprised a steel frame structure, feature exposed block work, aluminium windows and central glazed atrium. The new work provided general teaching rooms, technology room, science labs, sports hall, gymnasium and a new library area which is also open for public use, together with other teaching spaces for adult education for community users.

 

Works also included the construction of an integrated Life Long Learning Centre with adult education rooms, library, youth centre, crèche, gymnasium, sports hall, floodlit all-weather pitch and café. The scheme has been hailed as a model for other community schools to follow. In addition to education facilities, other community services such as a dental practice and doctor's surgery, are on the same site.

 

The new Craylands Lane Primary School accommodates 240 pupils. The school is designed around a central library and circulation space and will serve a local housing development, feeding pupils into the Swan Valley Community School.