RESIDENTS, parents and governors showed their support of new plans for Hillbourne Primary School in Poole during recent drop-in sessions detailing its plans as well as a related housing scheme.

The two open meetings, held on Tuesday and Thursday last week, allowed residents and parents of children at the school to discuss the new designs for the school as well as the related housing development in Kitchener Crescent.

While there was a lot of support for the designs of the new school and the housing scheme, residents had concerns about the lack of infrastructure in the area and downsizing of space for the school.

A local resident said: “It is a great idea but, locally, we don’t have the infrastructure to cope with an increase in residents.”

A member of the governors board said: “Some residents have had concerns about the project but, overall, the feedback has been good.”

Jane Locksmith, the architect of the new school building, said: “A lot of schools are built and designed for the now, but this new school is designed to last into the future.

“The head teacher has been very hands-on throughout the process and has made it clear that she wants space to teach and plenty of greenery on the school grounds.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity for the school and everyone associated with it. We are all doing it for the school because they deserve it.”

Children will use the two existing school buildings whilst the new building, which is due to take a year to be constructed, will be built in between them.

When the new structure is built, the two old buildings will be demolished. The scheme is expected to take seven to eight months.

The exact number of houses in the scheme is not confirmed and subject to planning applications. The current plans showed a series of two and three bed dwellings with a care home located to the north of the site.

“The community have been very proactive in coming to these open events,” said ward councillor Judy Butt. “They have had a few concerns about the project, and they have had questions about the housing which have been answered by the councillors, contractors and council officers here.

“My children came here so to see the new plans and to know the two school buildings will be demolished is a bit sad but, the future for this school is very exciting.”

The site will feature a pre-school as well as a purpose-built sports pitch and a multi-use games area (MUGA).