A DECISION on the proposed demolition and redevelopment of the former Altered Images building in Bromsgrove looms.
The site, which was home to the longstanding Altered Images gym for over 30 years before its closure last June, could be torn down to make way for a new education facility for Bromsgrove School.
Bromsgrove District Council will make a decision on the future of the Worcester Road site at an upcoming planning meeting on Monday, April 29.
The school is planning to increase boarding accommodation by converting existing teaching buildings at its senior school campus, creating the need for additional teaching space elsewhere.
A 2.5 storey building, comprising of sixteen classrooms and supporting spaces, is the main aim of the development. It is intended primarily for the school’s sixth form usage and aims to be designed and delivered with support from Delta Planning and Robothams Architects..
A wing at the rear would serve functions such as career or university advice as well as student breakout spaces for group work. The gross internal floor space of the building is 1,425sq. metres.
A total of 16 parking spaces including two accessible spots would be provided at the rear of the site alongside provision for 16 bicycle storage spaces.
A new pedestrian crossing is proposed on Worcester Road to improve access to the site for staff, students and visitors.
The proposals include a significant soft landscaped area surrounding the proposed facility. It will be also be surrounded by an ‘intruder proof’ hedge and a 1.8m high acoustic timber fence along the east boundary.
Vehicle and pedestrian access with be retained via security gates with coded access. Existing access will be retained to adjacent properties.
Following heritage consideration, a conservation officer supported the proposed design and advised the proposals should refer to the look of the Grade II listed Thomas Cookes House, without directly replicating it.
During consultation, some nearby business owners and residents have raised concerns about the impacts of access to their properties as a result of the proposals.
Gurkha Imperial Dining at 74 Worcester Road and the Ruby at 76 Worcester Road say the development will infringe on their ability to take and make deliveries via access to the rear of their property’s which is only accessible via the current Altered Images car park.
