Plans in to replace RAAC-infested Cheshire school

Ellesmere Port Catholic High School will be knocked down once a modern, two-building campus for its 1,000 students is constructed next door.

The discovery of large amounts of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete [RAAC] in the structure of the school’s existing blocks has forced lessons into Portakabins and facilitated the need for the Department for Education to intervene and fund a replacement.

Since the discovery of the potentially unstable concrete, parts of the school are “propped up with temporary supports…[or] completely closed off to staff and pupils”, according to a design and access statement prepared by architect Bond Bryan.

The new scheme, which will be slightly smaller in overall than the existing, features two two-storey buildings – a teaching block and a sports centre. It will be accessed via Overpool Road as opposed to Capenhurst Lane, where staff and pupils arrive currently.

External spaces include an outdoor dining area, three-court multi-use games area, and an amphitheatre.

The new campus will be built on existing sports pitches, which are to be reprovided on the site of the existing school once it has been knocked down.

The intention is to have the school open in time for the 2028/29 academic year.

Kier Construction is leading a project team charged with delivering the school. Avison Young is advising on planning matters. OFR, One Environments, Flinders Chase, MZA Acoustics, Zero Space, and Tace make up the project team.

To learn more, search for reference number 26/01344/FUL on Cheshire West and Chester’s planning portal.