Developers set to start work on £2.3m study space and sports pavilion

Development work is set to start in the Spring on a new study space and sports pavilion at Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School (QEGS) in Ashbourne.

Plans to redesign and expand an existing building at the school’s Boothby Meadows site are well underway. Planning permission and DfE permission to expand have all been approved and a contractor will now be appointed via tender next month, with work on the new two-storey building set to commence in May.

The project, which is a collaboration between QEGS and Ashbourne Rugby Union Football Club (ARUFC), will comprise of a new study space on the first floor and ground floor sports pavilion.

The study space will include the creation of nine new classrooms, study areas and break-out areas for students.

The sports pavilion will feature four new sports changing rooms, match official and first aid areas, enclosed viewing areas, new canteen and kitchen area, along with a new reception and office.

The £2.3m project is joint funded by QEGS, Ashbourne RUFC (ARUFC) and the Rugby Football Union (RFU) and will help the school increase its capacity of students.

Derby-based cost consultants, quantity surveyors and project managers Armsons are working alongside fellow Derby-based architect YMD Boon on the project, alongside structural engineers JPL and building services engineers DGMEP Services.

The development is set to be completed and ready for occupation by July 2022.

Armsons will manage the concept design stage with the design team, along with the cost planning and the planning application process prior to progressing the procurement. They will also manage the budget on behalf of the school.

QEGS and ARUFC are looking for further financial support from individuals and groups within the local community and will be sharing details of fundraising plans in the coming weeks.

Scott Garrity, Headteacher at QEGS, said: “This is a fantastic collaboration between QEGS and ARUFC to build facilities which will be used by thousands of children and their families, along with local sports clubs QEGS and ARUFC are looking for further financial support from individuals and groups within the local community and will be sharing details of fundraising plans in the coming weeks.

“Local building developments are increasing the catchment population and this expansion ensures that QEGS can accommodate all the children who choose QEGS as their local secondary school.”