Members of Ipswich Borough Council's planning and development committee gave their unanimous backing to proposals to rebuild Suffolk New Academy within the existing grounds. The former Chantry High School will be demolished and replaced by a new building to accommodate up to 900 students by September 2015.

Suffolk New Academy will be set in a prominent location with a strong civic presence befitting its significance within the wider community. The entrance will be complemented by fabrik’s proposals for a generous school plaza which creates open views towards the entrance and a welcoming feel for those arriving at the new Academy. The scheme makes the best of the site’s existing landscape characteristics, which includes the retention of historic specimen and important groups of trees, and maintains the quiet atmosphere of its residential setting.

The project is being undertaken by Kier Construction Eastern, funded through the Government’s Priority Schools Build Programme, along with the Thomas Gainsborough School. fabrik developed landscape masterplan proposals in collaboration with Architect Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios.

Images courtesy of Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios