Reviving old Bradford school buildings is better use of cash, says report (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Reviving old Bradford school buildings is better use of cash, says report

10:14am Monday 25th January 2010 in

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Multi-million pound funding to build new schools in Bradford would be better spent on reviving or extending old, architecturally rich school buildings, according to a new report.

English Heritage believes refurbishing old school buildings in West Yorkshire would often be the best use of resources.

Bradford Council is spending £400m refurbishing, remodelling or rebuilding every secondary school in the district as part of its Building Schools For Future programme.

Ten Bradford special schools close in April, including Lister Lane Special School, which dates from 1914, and is thought to be one of the first in the country to be built for children with physical disabilities.

A survey by English Heritage found two thirds of respondents thought refurbishing and extending old schools was more environmentally friendly than demolishing them and building new ones.

English Heritage claims the findings are significant for Yorkshire because the region was at the forefront of progressive attitudes to education in the late 19th century and a large number of architecturally-interesting schools built in this period still survive today, most notably in Bradford, Leeds and Sheffield.

Around 700 buildings in Yorkshire and Humber are listed for their special architectural and historical interest, including 70 in Bradford.

The report highlights the historical importance of Lilycroft School, in Bradford, as one of the first board schools when it was built in 1872.

Headteacher Nicola Roth said: “Working in a Grade II listed building is an honour. The children are surrounded by history which is real to them. Maintaining a Victorian building is a huge responsibilty but worth it.”

English Heritage regional director Trevor Mitchell said: “We want decision makers to actively consider whether refurbishment is the best way forward. Many of us have a deep attachment to the schools of our childhood and with thoughtful upgrading, we can retain the sense of character and identity they bring to neighbourhoods. ”