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Islington Tribune - by ROISIN GADELRAB
Published: 18 April 2008

Artist's impression of how Hugh Myddelton School will look after works are completed

Playground sell-off funds school overhaul

A CLERKENWELL Primary school is undergoing a major transformation after winning permission to sell off part of its playground to fund the works.
The project – which will revamp facilities and unite disparate sections of Hugh Myddelton School – began this week, although the land has not yet been sold.
The development has attracted widespread criticism from parents, who agree the school needs to be upgraded but object to selling off playground space to pay for it.
In November last year the school won planning permission for a nine-storey block with 32 flats and shops on the site.
School authorities argued that selling the land, which belongs to the council, would be the only way to fund the works.
The new development will mean pupils will have a new library, refurbished toilets and better disabled access, while the outside of the school will be given a makeover and new-look gardens, including a wildlife area.
Headteacher David Mylroie said: “We are really excited by the building works and the opportunity they will give us to continue to improve the quality of education we offer.
“Once the work is finished we will be able to increase the range of personalised learning activities on offer, not just for our children, but to members of the local community too. It will also be great to have the nursery on site for the first time.”
But councillor Martin Klute, who voted against the playground sale at November’s south area planning committee, said there was still time to save the playground.
He said: “The idea that you sell off your back garden to get your house painted is a problematic one. Selling off a playground is a lazy way to make money. I would call on the Liberal Democrats to come up with better ways of finding the funds needed.”
Cllr Ursula Woolley, executive member for children, said: “There’s nowhere near as much money from central government for primary school capital works as for secondary school works, which is why we are in this difficult position.
“The school and governors felt that because this part of the playground was not well-used by children, it was a sacrifice worth making but we certainly made it reluctantly.
The development, which will cost an estimated £3 million, is expected to be completed by Easter 2009.

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