A Carlisle school has revealed £2.5 million plans to create new specialist facilities.
Austin Friars School has already raised £750,000 from donors and has launched an appeal to find £1.75 million for the new dedicated arts and digital design block and new indoor sports facility.
The purpose-built art facility will include a 3D art room, photography studio and darkroom, pottery and ceramics studio and exhibition area. The specially designed sports hall and annexe will include four playing courts, modern changing rooms, viewing gallery for parents and visitors, refreshment area and a pavilion overlooking artificial pitches and rugby pitches.
The sports facilities in north Carlisle are currently limited, the independent school said, and it hoped the new facilities would be a valuable resource for the local community to use. Both buildings will be made available for community groups, including sports clubs, art groups, children’s activities and charities, it added.
The aim is to open the new facilities as part of the school’s 75th anniversary celebrations in 2026.
Since the school was founded in 1951, it has expanded its premises considerably, with a modern science building and junior school added over a decade ago.
Previous building projects were made possible by the donations of parents and supporters, and it is hoped that this legacy of giving will be continued as it launches the new appeal.
Matt Harris, headteacher, said: “It gives me great pleasure to present our project plans for the building of a new arts and digital design block and sports hall and annexe which will provide our pupils with the opportunities that an ever-expanding curriculum demands.
“We are confident that parents, alumni and friends will support this project and invest in the continuing excellence of Austin Friars School.”
