Residents have been given the chance to comment on proposals that are set to transform a cramped Poole school.

Plans for the £15 million redevelopment of Ashdown Technology College went on show to the local community to demonstrate how the campus could dramatically change by 2013. Drawings and computer-generated images of the proposed designs were eagerly devoured by residents, who had the chance to question council officers and representatives from contractors Balfour Beatty.

Outline planning consent for the multi-million pound building programme at the Canford Heath school was granted in November 2009 and views from the public event will be taken into consideration before an application for the approval of reserved matters is submitted in March.

The plans include demolishing some existing school buildings, refurbishing others and building a new two-storey extension and public plaza to link the development to Adastral Road.

Laura Dagnall, chairman of governors, said: “Parents, governors, students, teachers and the wider community have been fully involved in the development of designs and in the bidding process over the last 18 months.

“We are now at an exciting and crucial phase in the programme and welcome public views to make sure we provide a building that is a true asset to the local community.”

The project is central to Poole’s plans to change the age of transfer for children entering secondary education in 2013, when the school will take in an extra year group.

Ashdown’s science and technology specialisms are reflected in the new design and the school, built in the late ’80s, got its Building Schools for the Future funding as a sample school – escaping the axing of the scheme last year. It is anticipated that work will start this July.

“This is a great outcome for Ashdown Technology College,” said Cllr Mike White, Poole council’s cabinet member for capital projects.