WEYDON School has unveiled plans for a new £2 million gym and dance studio for the benefit of the wider community as well as students.
It is hoped the bespoke facility, proposed at the front of the school site in Weydon Lane, will offer a unique space in Farnham – enabling the growth of sports such as trampolining and table tennis.
The school, named the top attaining secondary in the UK for the past two years, already hires out many of its facilities to local organisations outside school hours.
These include all-weather sports pitches and the Medici Theatre.
But after canvassing its parent body, the school identified a “real need” for a bespoke dance and sports facility.
Headteacher Jackie Sharman Sharman said: “Overwhelmingly trampolining, dance and table tennis are the areas where there is a need for greater provision and, in turn, will ensure more residents in our community are able to lead healthy, active and fulfilled lives. The facility would have multiple uses and could additionally offer pilates, yoga and aerobics, to name but a few.
“Not everyone enjoys team sports and we believe these new facilities will mean more people will be active in sport.”
And now Weydon School is calling on Farnham residents to back its bid to build a new £2 million sports facility for the town – but it doesn’t need money, just comments.
“I would like to ask the people of Farnham to get behind this application by making supportive comments on the interactive commonplace which can be found at the ‘Your Fund’ website.”
To endorse Weydon’s appeal, visit https://tinyurl.com/yourfundsurrey and search for Weydon School’s ‘pin number 49’ on the map at the foot of the web page.
Mrs Sharman added: “This is such an impressive opportunity for the community of Farnham and we would greatly appreciate your support.”
The project already has the backing of Farnham South county councillor Wyatt Ramsdale, who said: “It is great to see Weydon School continue to develop what is available to their students and to make the new facilities available to the wider community.
“We need public support to make this happen.”
And developer Taylor Wimpey, which is building a housing development on nearby Green Lane, has also expressed an interest in sponsoring the project.
Mrs Sharman continued: “As a school we are committed to providing the children of Farnham a wide range of activities and wonderful facilities to encourage positive engagement and, we hope, develop healthy physical and mental habits that stay with them for life.
“Trampolining, dance and table tennis have also been shown to have great benefits for children and adults with special needs.”
Weydon is working closely with trampolining and dance specialists, such as the Farnborough Flyers and Stellar Gymnastics, to develop its plans – and subject to securing finance and planning consent, it is hoped the new building will open in September 2022.
It will see the demolition of a house in the school grounds, currently occupied by three arts students, to be replaced with a new building “in keeping” with the school’s existing buildings.
Questions relating to the project can be directed by email to [email protected]