A petition has been launched to fight plans by Kensington and Chelsea Borough Council to demolish a Victorian school.
Marlborough School, which was built in 1878 in Chelsea will move to a nearby temporary site allowing for the building to be demolished and rebuilt. It hopes to move into the new building in two years time.
Jane Solomon, who started the petition and parent Vasilena Dotkora came into our studio to explain more. Their petition has gained over 800 signatures. They argue that the original brief was to upgrade the existing building but now the council has approved plans to demolish it entirely and build offices and shops on a large part of the land.
A Council spokesman has said: “A new enlarged Marlborough Primary School will be good news for parents and pupils. Not only will it be more than 50 per cent larger, it will be fully accessible for pupils with mobility problems and far cheaper to run. Neighbours and parents have been involved in discussions as the plans have developed with the Council and John Lewis. Since 2012 we have written to thousands of local residents to let them know what is happening and invited them to attend consultations, presentations and to write to the Council with their views. The vast majority of residents, staff and parents have been supportive of the proposals and we are sure that everyone will be impressed when they see the results.”
