Public invited to have their say on Oaklands College redevelopment plans
Oaklands College and leading housebuilder Taylor Wimpey are inviting local people to find out more about a major redevelopment project for the College’s St Albans campus by attending a public consultation event.
The College and Taylor Wimpey are working in partnership to bring forward the much-needed redevelopment scheme, and details of the proposals will be on display at Oaklands College in Hatfield Road on Friday 1st March (10am to 8pm) and Saturday 2nd March (10am to 1pm).
The event is the first of two public exhibitions giving people the chance to view and comment upon the emerging plans, which include a residential development of up to 350 new homes on land to the south of Sandpit Lane.
The second exhibition is due to take place in the spring, and feedback received during the course of both consultations will be used to help refine the proposals before a formal planning application is submitted to St Albans City & District Council at a later date.
Zoe Hancock, Principal at Oaklands College, says: “Some of the existing facilities at our St Albans campus are in urgent need of modernisation, and significant investment is required to allow us to deliver an evolving curriculum and enable our students to reach their full potential.
“The College is not looking to expand – just bring our outdated facilities up to date – and the only way to generate the minimum funding needed to achieve this is by making part of the site available for residential development.
“Having enjoyed a successful working relationship with Taylor Wimpey in the past, we are well aware of the company’s credentials, and we believe the housebuilder is the ideal candidate to help us bring this project forward.
“Our joint proposals will be available for the public to view and comment upon at our exhibition on Friday 1st and Saturday 2nd March, and we look forward to welcoming local people to this important consultation event.”
Bill Beyzade, Land and Planning Director for Taylor Wimpey, adds: “We understand the importance of giving local people the chance to get involved and have their say on development plans for their community – and that’s why we’re offering this opportunity to view and comment on our joint proposals for the Oaklands College St Albans campus site.
“In tandem with the College’s own redevelopment plans, our proposed residential development will not only fulfil a need for more high-quality homes in the local area, but will also positively enhance the community for the benefit of everyone.
“Those visiting the public exhibition on Friday 1st and Saturday 2nd March will be able to speak to the Taylor Wimpey project team to find out more about our scheme, as well as provide us with their valuable feedback.”
