IT’S full STEAM ahead for a state-of-the-art new development at Bournemouth’s Talbot Heath school.

Western Design Architects (WDA) have been granted full planning permission for the new learning centre which will feature a contemporary building for the well-established girls independent school in Talbot Woods.

This will form a collaborative hub for interdisciplinary learning with a focus on creativity and digital proficiency.

The three-storey building will include a flexible 600 seat auditorium, gallery, exhibition spaces and studios for drama, art, textiles, graphic design and robotics; as well as extensive breakout spaces for independent working.

WDA’s design scheme also incorporates an indoor pool with changing facilities for use by both the school and community clubs.

The school presented WDA with a unique brief, based on their strong ethos and most importantly embracing STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics).

This led to a collaborative design approach resulting in dynamic flowing spaces, art integrating with robotics and the junior school fully interacting with the senior school. The modern architectural structure offers a new statement centrepiece building for the school.

“I am delighted that we have received planning permission for our new interdisciplinary learning Hub” said head teacher Angharad Holloway.

“The building itself reflects the modernity of the educational approach - the very nature of it will allow for high tech creative thinking across all age groups. These are very exciting times for us.”

Demolitions are due to start in December 2017 with construction beginning in February 2018, due for completion in summer 2019.