Boris Johnson backs plans for new Holland Park school » Local government » 24dash.com

Plans for a brand new Holland Park School moved a step closer today with the news that the Mayor of London, Boris Johnson is giving the scheme his unqualified support.

The new school will provide an extra 100 pupil places, increasing overall capacity to 1,500 pupils including 300 sixth formers.

It will also provide 20 per cent more outdoor space and sports pitches, improved informal outdoor space, and an Olympic-size indoor swimming pool and gymnasium, all of which will now be available for use by the local community outside school hours.

Whilst some new residential development will be allowed on the existing site to fund the school’s redevelopment the developer has agreed to build over 83 affordable housing units off site equating to 50 per cent of all new housing being delivered as part of the scheme.

In a statement, Boris Johnson said: "This proposal will provide a fine educational facility fit for the twenty-first century as well as an extra 100 school places which is very important when London's population is expanding so rapidly.

"It will also see a big increase in space for vital outdoor sport and other activities and benefits the wider community by delivering a significant number of affordable homes which are so needed in this city."

Welcoming the Mayor’s endorsement, Councillor Merrick Cockell, the Leader of Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, said: “We are trying to give our children school facilities to match the very best in they country.

"At the same time we are providing more affordable housing, hugely improved indoor and outdoor sports facilities for the entire community, and all without making a call on the public purse. I believe we have the right scheme for the children of the borough.

“It appears that the Mayor agrees; it is a great encouragement to know that he is behind us.”