The Masterplan
Proposed Technology Building
The College of Richard Collyer has seen sustained growth in student numbers over the past decade, reflecting its reputation as one of the country’s leading sixth form colleges. At present, much of this demand is being met through temporary portacabins, with existing ‘dry science’ teaching space within our older classrooms which are cramped, outdated and do not meet modern-day standard for technology classrooms which require large equipment.
To continue providing outstanding education and modern learning environments, we are proposing a new, purpose-built technology building. This specialist facility will:
- Offer high-quality teaching space for Design Technology, Engineering, Maths and Physics, giving students access to the tools and environments these subjects require.
- Free up space in the College’s historic Grade II listed building, enabling refurbished classrooms for subjects such as Music, History and English, ensuring these cherished spaces are used in ways that respect their heritage and enhance learning.
This investment will secure long-term, future-ready teaching facilities, allowing The College of Richard Collyer to meet current and anticipated growth while continuing to inspire and support students for years to come.
- The building (proposed to be located on the current main carpark) will be part two-storey and part three-storey (final design still under development) and is expected to provide around 17 new spaces for teaching, workshops, offices and related facilities.
- The location of the building has been determined by a number of factors and will result in the need to relocate the main car park to the south-eastern boundary of the school site. The new car park will have a similar number of spaces as the current car park and improved landscaping, to screen and minimise visual impact for our neighbours.
- The building has been carefully positioned to minimise impact on the playing fields.
Please refer to the plans below to see the indicative outline area of the proposed development & layout.
Where we are now
The buildings design remains indicative at this stage. Whilst some development decisions have been made (e.g. due to site constraints, the requirement to retain sports pitches, access and movement considerations etc.) other matters are still evolving
The college, with its consultant team, are in the midst of engagement with the Local Planning Authority (Horsham District Council), Highways Authority (West Sussex County Council) and other key stakeholders and this will further inform the nature and design of the proposals that will form part of any future planning application to Horsham District Council.
Initial public consultation
Because the proposed building and relocation of the main car park are to the south-east side of the college grounds, invitations for this early stage of engagement were focused on those properties adjacent to this boundary.
Thank you to everyone who attended the consultation sessions on 7 and 13 August and provided feedback.
These events gave our neighbours the opportunity to view indicative plans for the proposed technology building at The College of Richard Collyer, ask questions, and share comments with the project team.
The following Key Questions Answered summarises the most frequently raised topics and provides responses based on the current stage of design and planning.
Feedback gathered through the consultation sessions – particularly on landscaping, boundary treatments, and car park operation – will play an important role in shaping the next stage of the proposals before a planning application is submitted.
Key Questions Answered
Why is a new building needed?
Student numbers have grown steadily by 5-10% each year. Temporary classrooms and cramped and outdated teaching spaces no longer provide the facilities required for modern, specialist teaching. The new building will deliver purpose-built “dry lab” technology and science spaces designed to meet current and future needs.
Where will the building be located?
The new building will be developed on the site of the existing main car park, with some limited extension onto the adjacent field. It will consist of a two-storey block and a three-storey block with an additional solar shading canopy.
How close will it be to homes?
The nearest part of the new building will be set back around 40 metres from gardens on Hurst Avenue. Between the new car park and these gardens, a landscaped buffer of approximately 7 metres is planned, with tree planting and soft landscaping.
What will happen to parking?
The existing main car park (140 spaces) and 16 existing spaces around the library will be replaced with a new car park providing 141 spaces plus 3 minibus bays. This results in a small net loss of 12 formal spaces, though it is noted that current parking provision is under-utilised as a number of bays are used for storage rather than cars.
The application will also be supported by a green Travel Plan committing the College to measures which ensure a greater number of staff and students travel to site using sustainable and active travel modes. This will be facilitated in part by [RH1] delivery of 35 new cycle spaces, which doubles the existing number on site.
Does this mean a wider expansion of the College?
No. This proposal is a standalone project. It is not part of any wider masterplan. Its purpose is to meet current and projected student growth (around 5-10% annually) and to provide appropriate facilities for specialist subjects.