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Case Studies
Master Planning
Approaching the 400th anniversary of its foundation, the Headmaster and Governors asked me to prepare a paper setting out a strategic plan for the medium and long term physical development of the school.
I started by considering the existing academic, pastoral and sporting facilities and then, by looking at the strengths and weaknesses of each, suggested areas that might be improved. Working with the Senior Management Team we formulated long term plans for the future size and character of the school; considered the various proposals that had come out of the internal consultation process and then distilled all of that onto a large scale O.S. plan of the campus, showing the various projects in block form.
Now, working with Architects experienced in the Master Planning process, the core information was drawn up and mixed with aerial pictures; actual photographs overlaid with proposed images and new 3D modelling to produce effective hard copy and PowerPoint presentations. These were first shared with the school community before being shown to the Local Planning Authority and other interested groups.
Increasingly Master Plans are being requested by Local Authorities so that they have notice of what Planning Applications might be submitted to them in the short, medium and even long term. Master Plans are not binding on either side. They are flexible working documents, but they do set a framework that makes it easier for Local Authorities to consider and possibly approve an application that, in isolation, might be more difficult.
The preparation of a Master Plan is a very good way of concentrating the minds of the Governing Body and the SMT on where the school should be heading. Out of such an exercise come not only decisions relating to the grounds and buildings, but also proposals for the academic and pastoral development of the school.
Potential donors are impressed by the fact that the school is thinking ahead and has a clear vision for the future. This makes fund raising just a little easier.
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