Schools & Education · Salisbury
Salisbury Sixth Form College gets green light for £1.9 million expansion
By Swindon Now Editorial Team · Published
Wiltshire Council has approved major expansion plans at Salisbury Sixth Form College to accommodate a growing number of students in the city.
Salisbury Sixth Form College on Tollgate Road is set to undergo a major expansion after Wiltshire Council granted planning permission for a £1.9 million project. The development, which aims to address a rising demand for post-16 education in the area, will see significant enhancements to the existing college site.
The approved scheme at 66-78 Tollgate Road includes a rear infill extension and a series of internal alterations. Once completed, the project will provide four flexible teaching classrooms, additional administrative office space, and improved toilet facilities, including new accessible amenities.
The college, which was originally built with a capacity for 400 students, has seen its enrolment climb to approximately 460. Projections included in the planning application suggest that student numbers will rise to 520 by September 2026, reaching roughly 560 by the following year. Planning officers highlighted that the expansion is essential to meet the identified need for education provision in Salisbury and its surrounding communities.
Sustainability and accessibility form a core part of the new design. The plans feature solar photovoltaic panels on the roof of the extension and the installation of seven electric vehicle charging points. To encourage sustainable travel, the college will also increase its car parking provision from 32 to 44 spaces and introduce a covered, secure two-tier cycle shelter capable of housing 24 bicycles.
Following initial queries from highways officers regarding transport and parking, the college submitted revised documentation and a comprehensive travel plan, which ultimately satisfied council requirements. The project has also received support from Salisbury City Council.
Permission was granted subject to several conditions, including the implementation of the travel plan and the installation of three swift nesting boxes to support local biodiversity. The expansion is part of a broader strategy supported by a £1.9 million government grant aimed at boosting educational capacity in the region.
Source: Salisbury Journal — Salisbury · View original