A groundbreaking ceremony was held yesterday at the site of the new Richmond upon Thames School sports hall.

The new sports hall, which is funded partly by Richmond Council and partly by the Department for Education will benefit both the school and the local community, as well as meeting a condition for more affordable housing.

Once the new sports hall has been completed, the current temporary sports building will be removed.

This will make way for four multi-use sports areas for Richmond upon Thames School.

The new sports hall will make way for four mulit use sports areas. (Photo Credit: Richmond Council).

The sports hall development will allow Clarion Homes to build 108 affordable homes on the site, as community access to sports facilities is a key planning condition. 

In a press release Richmond Council Said: "This development of 108 new affordable homes delivered by Clarion Housing will make a significant contribution to affordable housing supply in the borough, providing a mix of homes for rent and shared ownership."

"The 108 affordable homes represent a significant increase from the 34 affordable homes approved under previous applications."

Guests at the event were given the opportunity to look around the building site and lay and sign a brick,

Guests were given the opportunity to lay a brick. (Photo Credit: Heather Nicholls).

Cllr Gareth Roberts, Leader of Richmond Council said: "It's been wonderful to be out here today, despite the rain, seeing work start on the Richmond upon Thames school sports hall.

"This facility will bring such great benefits, not only to the students from Richmond upon Thames School and Clarendon School, but also the local community, so I am delighted the Council was able to contribute the funding needed to bring this to life."

"The sports hall development is also necessary to allow Clarion Homes to build 108 affordable homes on the site, as community access to sports facilities is a key planning condition. We look forward to the housing development being completed as soon as possible; increasing the provision of affordable housing in the borough is a key priority for this administration."

Cllr Roberts laying a brick. (Photo Credit: Heather Nicholls).

The Headteacher of the school, Ms Dooley, was present at the event and said that the school are very excited for the new sports hall.

The project is due to be completed by June 2024, meaning that it will be ready in time for the new school year.