WORK has begun to turn a historic building into Rugby’s newest secondary school after it was given the official go-ahead by Rugby Borough Council.
Planning permission has been granted for Houlton School, allowing preparatory work – including some demolition, remediation and clearance – to begin.
Early next year, work will begin to construct new buildings and convert Houlton’s Grade II-listed Rugby Radio Station building.
The building was the hub of global communications in the 1920s, and was the source of the world’s first transatlantic phone call in 1927.
The school is a joint venture between Houlton’s master developer Urban&Civic, Aviva Investors, Warwickshire County Council (WCC) and the Department for Education (DfE), and will be run by the Transforming Lives Educational Trust (TLET) which also runs Ashlawn School.
Urban&Civic development director Richard Coppell said: “This marks a major milestone in the development of Houlton.
“The school will become an important statement building in the heart of Houlton’s growing community and provides us with a rare and exciting opportunity to turn a piece of Rugby’s rich history into a state-of-the-art facility for our local residents and families across the town.”
James Higham, CEO of the Transforming Lives Education Trust, said: “Not only will the location be an inspirational place to learn in, but we will also be building on the experience and expertise of our high performing schools in the Trust to develop strong community and the highest education standards.”
Following the opening of St Gabriel’s CofE Academy at Houlton in September 2018, Houlton School is the second of four schools which will be delivered at the development.
Opening in September 2021 for Year 7, the school will provide nearly 1,000 school places and a sixth form, and will grow each academic year with a new intake of Year 7 pupils.
Residents and prospective pupils can view a 3D model and CGIs of Houlton School on display at The Visitor Centre in Dollman Farm, Houlton.
Email [email protected] to register interest in Houlton School.
