To confirm, prior to tenders being sought, the strategic elements of the project namely the size of school, the wider community facilities to be included and the provision for third party use.

THAT:

(a)     The Minster College be rebuilt as a 6 Form of Entry, 11-16 High School (Mainstream capacity 900) with a Sixth Form of 120 as a single school pathfinder under the Building Schools for the Future Initiative;

(b)    On completion of the new facilities for the Minster College, the existing design/technology block be converted in part for use as a Youth Centre, subject to a full review of youth provision being undertaken and funding being approved as part of the Council’s annual capital planning process;

(c)     Facilities for use by the Marches Consortium and for industrial enterprise be provided, if the Consortium and Advantage West Midlands respectively provide the necessary funding, and if satisfactory lease arrangements can be agreed.

1.      The Minster serves the town of Leominster and a large rural area as shown on Appendix 1. A school with an annual entry of 180 will provide sufficient spaces for those children under the age of 11 living in this area, and those likely to be living in the area in any new housing in the future.

2.      Youth facilities in Leominster are poor, and in property leased to 2013. The refurbishment of part of an existing building opposite the Sports Centre and Swimming Pool provides a longer-term solution in an appropriate location.

3.      All schools in the country are expected to offer extended services, and in the new build opportunities to maintain and extend, adult education, and work training including teacher training on the campus should be exploited.

A school of a smaller size could be built, but if the school becomes the success that is our objective, this would not meet the needs of the community policy.

Use on the site could be restricted to the school, but this would be contrary to central and local party and be a missed opportunity.