Demolition and asbestos removal work at the former Fyndoune Community College site in Sacriston has received the green light as part of wider plans to transform the location into a specialist education facility.
Demolition Phases
Durham County Council plans to bring in a contractor to tear down the redundant buildings before the site is cleared, levelled and restored. Planning documents indicate that preparatory work is set to commence this month, with the demolition of Block 3 and Blocks 5, 6 and 7 earmarked as part of the initial phase.
Block 1 is expected to remain in operation for longer and is scheduled for demolition in summer 2028, once current building users have moved out. The project will involve stripping asbestos from the buildings prior to their demolition.
Specialist School Plans
Fyndoune Community College shut its doors in April 2021 following a merger with Durham Community Business College for Technology and Enterprise in Ushaw Moor. The former college site now sits at the heart of proposals for a new specialist school, set to provide 180 additional places for children with special educational needs.
The planned facility would serve pupils with special educational and medical needs, including secondary school-aged youngsters who require extra support.
Community Benefits and Next Steps
Durham County Council has lodged a pre-application for the broader redevelopment, with letters due to be sent to local residents from Monday, 17 August. The council stated the new school would deliver a "dedicated, high-quality specialist educational curriculum" tailored to equip young people for life in their local communities.
It also noted the development would bring advantages for the broader Sacriston community, with residents gaining access to indoor and outdoor facilities. Additional details about the proposed new school and its amenities are anticipated to emerge as the redevelopment moves forward.
