Downside School Gets a Major Makeover!
Work has kicked off to transform the old Downside Middle School site in Newport. Closed back in 2011, the site is set to become the new home of Barton Primary School, the West and Central Wight Family Centre, and a brand-new Downside Community Centre.
Barton Primary Set to Expand
Headteacher Mark Snow is buzzing about the project. “The new site will let Barton Primary grow to a 1.5 form of entry, with 45 places per year group. It’s a modern building designed for 21st-century education, offering more space, flexibility, and improved sports facilities and outdoor areas for the kids.”
He added, “We’ll even integrate the nursery into the main school, boosting collaboration across all age groups. This is a building that truly meets the needs of our community’s children as they grow and learn.”
Family Centre and Community Hub Boost
The Family Centre, managed by Barnados on behalf of the Isle of Wight Council, will enjoy better accommodation on site. Partnering with the school and community centre will strengthen services to support children and families early on.
The Community Centre, currently cramped in a portacabin, will finally have a proper, permanent building. Local group Pan Together will manage the centre and convert their existing Isobel Centre into changing rooms and showers for Pan Sports FC.
All of this is scheduled to open in September 2016, promising a vibrant community hub for the area.
£1.3 Million Investment Backing the Project
The upgrades are backed by roughly £1.3 million in funding. The Isle of Wight Council chipped in £700,000, while developer Barrett Homes contributed via Section 106 community and education funds.
Councillor Jonathan Bacon, Executive Member for Children’s Services, said: “It’s fantastic to see Downside’s transformation underway. This facility will be a real asset to east Newport, giving kids much better outdoor space and the community a top-notch hub. I look forward to the grand opening and am proud we supported this with capital funding.”
Local councillor Geoff Lumley (Newport East) highlighted the project’s local roots: “This is the result of community hopes tied to the Pan Meadows development six years ago. Barton Primary is thriving, and the move couldn’t come at a better time. The Family Centre and Community Centre were always promised improved homes.”
He added, “In these tight financial times, this is brilliant news for the community and local youngsters. Thanks to the council for backing this and keeping Downside open when closure was an easy option.”
Looking Ahead
Until recently, the Downside site also hosted council-funded community groups like Way Forward, Family Learning, and a homeless night shelter. The council continues helping these groups find new homes.
The former Barton Primary School site’s future will be discussed by the council’s Executive in May, with any proceeds from its sale earmarked for the new Downside site.
