Plans approved for new centre of excellence for disability sports in Kent
A state-of-the-art disability sports, art and cultural centre for children, their families and the community is set to be built in the grounds of Ifield Foundation Special School in Gravesend having been granted outline planning permission by Kent County Council.
The project, currently known as ‘iSparc’, aims to create a centre of excellence for inclusive PE teacher training where coaches, teachers and managers can be trained to a very high level in disability sports teaching and art and culture.
The centre has been designed by Aukett Morley Architects – a joint venture between London-based Michael Aukett Architects and David Morley Architects. It will include:
- A six-badminton court sports hall with equipment for Paralympic sports such as goalball, boccia, wheelchair basketball and other activities.
- Accessible 25m eight-lane swimming pool with ramp, hoists, spectator area and cafeteria.
- Dance and performing arts studio and therapy rooms.
- Room with sunken trampolines, hoists and specialised equipment.
- Outdoor football pitch, running track, climbing wall and wildlife area.
Having cleared the first planning hurdle, the school will now be able to progress discussions with potential funders.
Pam Jones OBE, Headteacher of Ifield School, said:
“We’re very excited that Kent County Council has granted us outline planning permission for iSparc, especially as the school has been trying to build new sports facilities since 2002. Our challenge now is to secure funding for such an exciting scheme. Kent does not currently have a combined disability sports, arts and cultural venue and this centre will help to inspire children with special needs across the county to get involved in a multitude of sports and performing arts.”
Clare Stoddart, Chair of Projects on Ifield School Governing Board, said:
"We are not just building a legacy, we are building a destiny. We want iSparc to become a centre for sports and performing arts for children and young people with disabilities. The goal is to build an inspiring facility where coaches and managers can be trained to a very high level in disability sports teaching.”
Paul Carter, Leader of Kent County Council said:
"This specialist facility will not only improve the health and social outcomes for disabled children and young people from Ifield Foundation Special School but it will provide a valuable resource benefitting many children and young people with special needs across the county, filling a void in the facilities currently available.”
Andy Mytom, partner, David Morley Architects, said:
"iSparc is a shining example of what can be achieved by a Client that understands the potential for positive change through arts and sports. Ifield School’s passion and commitment to make this vision a reality is second to none and we are delighted to be working along-side them on this incredible project.”
Steve Baker, managing director at Michael Aukett Architects, said:
"With a truly inspirational Client and brief, we are delighted to have supported the school in achieving this first milestone and we very much look forward to continuing to assist and to realise the aspirations for iSparc.”
The project’s design team includes landscape consultants Hyland Edgar Driver; traffic engineers TPA/White Young Green; structural, mechanical, electrical and environmental consultants Cundall and cost consultants Stace.
Ifield School is a special school for children and young people aged 4 to 19 with profound, severe and complex needs. Pupils travel from across North Kent to go to Ifield School. It has a reputation for excellence and in February 2014 was judged Outstanding by Ofsted inspectors.
