A planning application has been submitted to Herefordshire Council for a major new development at a primary school in Hereford.
The proposed development is detailed below:
‘New 4 Court Sports Hall building including new external hard court area, with associated drainage and hard and soft landscaping.’
You can view the planning application in full by visiting the Herefordshire Council planning portal and searching for reference number – P251050/F
Riverside Primary School is working with Quattro Design Architects of Gloucester on the project.
Councillor Kevin Tillett (Hinton & Hunderton) has shared his support for the project:
“Riverside School is situated in the Hinton and Hunderton ward of Hereford. I have lived here for 31 years and for the last eight have represented the ward on Hereford City Council and Herefordshire Council and am currently the City Mayor.
“I am also a governor of the school and a trustee of the nearby Kindle Community Centre.
“The school’s catchment is an area of considerable social and economic deprivation on both local and national measurements.
“Furthermore, in a city divided by a river, it is on the south side which has poor levels of leisure provision which, combined with low-income levels and inadequate transport links, make access to sport and fitness activities particularly difficult.
“This is especially regrettable given the poor living conditions, employment levels, diet, and health status of many local people.
“Despite this challenging scenario, Riverside is a remarkable school and gives local children an education which far exceeds the experience of many of their parents and guardians.
“This is not just the boast of a proud governor; it was endorsed in April 2024 when the school was rated as “Outstanding” by Ofsted.
“However, that educational provision is significantly hampered by insufficient and inadequate space for indoor sport activity.
“The construction of a new sports hall would greatly enhance the facilities, and thereby the well-being, of not just pupils at the school but the wider community. Riverside has excellent links with local families and is very well integrated into the whole of the South Wye community.
“Those links will ensure that this hall can be used to the maximum benefit for all residents of the local area, in an open and inclusive way and further enhance the school’s relationship within the community.
“Fitness and exercise have well-established benefits for both mental and physical health, well-being and community cohesion. In an area which has for so long been deprived of easily. accessible facilities such as these, this project will have far-reaching benefits to many people.
“I endorse and recommend this project, without qualification, and am happy to be contacted should any further information be required.”
About Riverside Primary School:
‘We are a large, vibrant and happy primary school in the heart of the city. We pride ourselves on our inclusive culture where everyone feels welcome and everyone belongs.
‘This was identified by Ofsted when they visited in April 2024 and graded the school Outstanding in every area.
‘The school is situated on extensive grounds with many outdoor learning opportunities, including orchards, woodland, a pond, a mud kitchen, a vegetable garden and lots of climbing and play equipment.
‘We have high expectations and are passionate about providing the very best education.
‘We offer a wide range of valuable opportunities and experiences to promote personal development.
‘We strive for all children to meet their potential.’
