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Kensington leisure centre and academy project given go-ahead

Summary:

The multi-million-pound development was given the green light on Wednesday night.

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By Cyrus Engineer

A brand new multi-million-pound development was given the go-ahead by Kensington and Chelsea Council on Wednesday night.

The Major Planning Development Committee approved an application for a new leisure centre and academy in North Kensington.

The Kensington Aldridge Academy and Kensington Leisure Centre will provide the area with a much- needed new school and a state-of-the-art leisure centre.

The project will also provide a children’s park and new homes that will help to fund the project.

The academy and leisure centre will be located off Silchester Road, close to Latimer Road Station.

The developments are a response to the pressing need for education provisions in North Kensington.

The plans have been a long time in the making with £57.8m being committed towards the project by both the council and the government.

The academy is sponsored by the Aldridge Foundation and for the past two years both they and the council have consulted with the local community and much of their feedback has been incorporated into the final design.

Kensington and Chelsea Council Leader, Sir Merrick Cockell, said: “This is a landmark day for the North Kensington community and represents our ongoing commitment to investing in great facilities for our residents.

“Despite the challenging economic climate we are proud to be able to build a new academy and leisure centre which are going to make a vital contribution to local life for decades to come.”

Sir Rod Aldridge OBE, Chairman of the Aldridge Foundation, added: “Everyone should have access to good education.

“A good education gives people skills and qualifications, and it instills confidence, along with preparing young people for the challenges of life. Everyone has the right to expect an exciting, engaging and relevant education, regardless of who they are, or where they live.”

Construction will begin next month with the Kensington Aldridge Academy and the Kensington Leisure Centre both opening in September 2014.

The existing Kensington Leisure Centre will close on December 24.

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