Residents see designs for new building

Ark Conway Primary Academy, the new free school for four to 11 year-olds which is due to open its doors in September, has shown off detailed plans for its new buildings at two public drop-in sessions.

The school, which will open its doors this with an initial intake of 30 pupils, is sited in the former Wormholt Library on Hemlock Road.

Last month, the school was given the go ahread by the council to redesign the interior of the listed building and work will now begin next week.

Construction of a brand new second building, which will be sited between the library and the A40 will begin in October this year, before a second intake of pupils next year.

The school has caused disquiet among local residents, particularly the Wormholt Tenants' and Residents' Associations, who argued that the building was out of character in a conservation area.

The association were also concerned that they were being displaced from their regular meeting place in Wormholt Library, though ARK Schools, the educational charity behind the new school, has promised they will be able to use the building free of charge when building is completed.

Ark Conway is one of three free schools which have been given the go ahead by the government to open in our borough.

West London Free School, a secondary which promises to offer a "classical curriculum" is also due to open in September. It will be housed in Cambridge School in Cambridge Grove, Hammersmith until its permanent home in Palingswick House is ready for use.

These moves have proved controversial, as Palingswick House has until now housed over 20 voluntary and community groups, who will now be forced to move to other premises. The Cambridge Grove premises meanwhile have been home to a special school for children with special education needs, but in September this school will move to the Bryony Centre, close to Phoenix High School.

Rivendale Primary School was also given the go ahead by the government. The school is planned for opening in September 2012, but at this stage is still hunting for suitable premises in the area.

June 17, 2011