A consultation has been launched over plans for a new special school on part of the Marlwood School site.
Plans for the new school have progressed following a successful bid for Government funding and members of the public are being invited to have their before a formal planning application is submitted later this year.
Two Bridges Academy will have 112 places for pupils aged two to 19 with Severe Learning Difficulties (SLD) and Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties (PMLD).
It is also intended that some of the school’s specialist facilities, including a hydrotherapy pool, specialist disability sports equipment and outdoor wheelchair accessible play equipment will be available for community use and hire outside school hours.
Two Bridges Academy will be funded by the Department for Education as part of the Free Schools Programme and will be run by Enable Trust, who also run New Siblands in Thornbury and Culverhill in Yate.
Locating the school on the Marlwood site is intended to provide 'educational and social opportunities for inclusion, collaboration and enhanced provision for both mainstream and special school pupils'.
Two Bridges, which could open in September 2023, will also be created to a 'Net Zero Carbon' design.
South Glocuestershire Council has committed £16.7million investment into Marlwood School and Castle School, which includes a brand new sixth form built at the Castle School site on Park Road.
Councillors Matthew Riddle and Keith Burchell, who represent the Severn Vale Ward including Alveston, said: “We are delighted that this long-awaited consultation has now begun and are keen for local residents to make sure their voices are heard and support the fantastic proposals for Two Bridges.
"Increasing SEND provision has been a major focus for local Conservatives, and by delivering brand new school places at Two Bridges, it will help to reduce the costly financial impact of transporting children with SEND out of area to receive an education and help keep these vulnerable young people closer to home in a fantastic learning environment.”
Cllr Erica Williams, cabinet member for education, skills and employment, said: “The Conservative Administration’s number one priority is to improve school standards and it is fantastic we are creating a brand-new learning environment that also supports our Climate Emergency goals.
"We are proud to be delivering this special school in Alveston and continue our work to provide more SEND places across the district to provide specialist support to children and young people with a range of learning difficulties.”
Erica Williams
Also welcoming the latest step to deliver the new school, Thornbury and Yate MP Luke Hall said: “Delivering a new special school at Marlwood and improving special needs provision is a key part of my Positive Plan for schools and family life.
"Having campaigned for this new school and raised this issue with ministers at the heart of Government, I am pleased that this consultation is now under way.”
The public consultation, which is now open, concludes on Monday, March 29.
To have your say go to consultations.southglos.gov.uk/Two_Bridges21/consultationHome
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