New play and games areas at Watergate School

Overview

Watergate Primary School on Lushington Road, Bellingham is a school for young children with profound and complex special educational needs and disabilities which caters for learners aged 4-11.  The school is in high demand, reflecting the increased need for specialist places in Lewisham as well as across the country. Lewisham is working towards ensuring that all our children & young people can access provisions locally that meet their needs, and is therefore proposing to expand the school to cater for the increased demand for Primary SEND places in the borough.

The existing school cannot practically be expanded within the existing site boundary, as it is surrounded by neighbouring houses at each end. To create the required space for the new school building, the proposal is to move the Dumps Adventure Playground and provide new play equipment and a new multi-use games area on the existing playing field. In this proposal, the Dumps Youth Centre will also gain access to a new natural play area.

The new school building will be an exemplary sustainable facility designed to current best practice standards and net zero carbon in operation.  We are also working with an ecologist to retain the valuable mature trees, improve the biodiversity onsite, and enhance the natural environment.

This consultation sets out the proposals for expanding the school and enhancing the Dumps Adventure Playground and playing field on Oakview Road for all our local young people.

Why your views matter

Residents with children at the school, local residents, people who might use the facilities are encouraged to complete the survey. Your views will help us shape the final decisions.