College plans expansion to increase pupil capacity

A city college has submitted plans to expand by turning a teaching and storage space into a four-storey teaching block.

Worcester Sixth Form College wants to knock down an existing single-storey extension to make way for the block, which it said would provide capacity for a "committed intake of an additional 200 students".

Should it be approved by Worcester City Council, it would provide 770 sq m of internal floor space.

"With 1,800 students already, the college faces challenges due to overcrowding and inadequate facilities," the plans state.

"The design will replace two substandard classrooms, create four new classrooms and add an additional 120 sq m of flexible teaching space," the plans added.

"It also provides 36 new unisex toilets, much-needed social/breakout space and rectifies a dysfunctional and substandard kitchen servery and dining hall."

The main building at the college's Spetchley Road campus was built in the 1960s as a grammar school for girls.

"The extension aims to improve the existing building's functionality and sustainability," according to the planning documents.

"The design addresses issues such as limited natural light, inefficient circulation, and outdated facilities, particularly in the canteen, kitchen, and first floor classrooms.

"The proposal will improve circulation and create a more efficient and flexible ground-floor space."

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