A LONG-overdue facelift of sports facilities at a Worcester secondary school has been given the go-ahead.

Members of Worcester City Council’s planning committee were full of praise for the planned renovation and extension works at Christopher Whitehead Language College in St John’s, which involves the construction of a new two-storey PE block and associated facilities.

Having met the city’s approval, Worcestershire County Council’s refurbishment scheme must now go before the county’s own planning committee for a final decision.

“I think it’s encouraging that improved facilities are being provided at the school,” said the city council’s deputy leader Barry Mackenzie-Williams.

“They are certainly earning them – their results are good and this is an opportunity to make sure the facilities in the school are suitable for the 21st century.”

Labour councillor Paul Denham agreed, saying: “The school certainly deserves better facilities – it’s been an improving school for years.”

The scheme will involve the refurbishment of the existing gymnasium and construction of a two-storey PE block with new changing rooms, offices, meeting room, staff accommodation and gym store, as well as an extension to the school’s dining room.

With Christopher Whitehead pupils also granted use of the facilities at the newly opened St John’s Sports Centre next door, the scheme will leave the school with sports facilities that are second to none.

Headteacher Neil Morris said: “It’s fantastic for the school. The county council has spent £2.6 million on this school in the five years I’ve been here, which sounds like a lot, but it’s relatively cheap when you think they were going to build a new school down the road.

“Sainsbury’s has spent another £1.5 million [as part of the planning agreement for its forthcoming store in St John’s] and our school is now becoming a 21st century site. From being very much the poor relation, we can now have some outstanding sports facilities to go with our outstanding students.”

The new block is expected to be ready for the start of the next academic year.

County Hall yesterday dismissed concerns raised by city councillors that work on the new block had already begun before planning consent had been given.

A spokesman said the only works undertaken so far are the demolition of the old changing rooms, which did not require planning permission.