‘iSparc’ aims to build on Kent’s
Paralympic legacy
Kent
County Council has granted outline planning permission for a state-of-the-art disability
sports, art and cultural centre to be built in the grounds of Ifield Foundation
Special School in Gravesend.
The
project, currently known as ‘iSparc’, will help Ifield School create a regional
centre of excellence for disability sports and performing arts. Facilities will
be open, not just to Ifield School’s pupils, but to members of the public
including disability groups and children and teachers from other schools.
Having
cleared the first planning hurdle, the school will now be able to progress discussions
with potential funders.
The
centre has been designed by Aukett Morley Architects – a joint venture between
London-based Michael Aukett Architects and David Morley Architects.
The
project’s design team includes landscape consultants Hyland Edgar Driver;
traffic engineers TPA/White Young Green; structural, mechanical, electrical and
environmental consultants Cundall and cost consultants Stace.
iSparc
will include:
- A six-badminton court sports hall with equipment for Paralympic sports such as goalball, boccia, wheelchair basketball and other activities.
- Accessible 25m eight-lane swimming pool with ramp, hoists, spectator area and cafeteria.
- Dance and performing arts studio and therapy rooms.
- Room with sunken trampolines, hoists and specialised equipment.
- Outdoor football pitch, running track, climbing wall and wildlife area.
