New Facilities Coming to BCS

Work on the new development has now begun with the contractor setting up their compound and fencing off the site of the works.  Works are expected to start in earnest from July 2024. 

The planned completion date for all facilities is July 2025. 

It is possible that, at times, there may be an increase in noise and traffic during this period.  We extend our sincere apologies for any disturbance or difficulties that this may cause.  Both BCS and Christ’s Hospital School are determined to do everything we can to minimise the potential for disruption to the local community during the planned programme of work. 

The new entrance road and car park for BCS is due to be completed in December 2024. 

We plan to have the 4 Padel courts available for use in April 2025. 

The athletics track and Get Active Trail will be the final elements to complete in July 2025. 

Every effort will be made to maintain as many parking spaces as possible during the first phase of works to create the new car park.  However, there will inevitably be a short period of time towards the end of this phase of work when part of the existing car park will need to be removed from use to be incorporated into the new car park.  Overflow parking for BCS will remain available in the main school car park for the majority of our opening hours. 

Access to BCS by car will remain via the main school drive until the new entrance, access road and car park open in December 2024.  Access to BCS on foot is likely to change as the development progresses and we will keep members informed of foreseeable changes via update emails as they occur. 

We are currently planning how the new facilities will operate and what will be included within existing or new membership packages.  We will share details of these in due course. 

In response to residents’ concerns about the possibility of large vehicles blocking narrow roads in the area, contractors have been instructed to avoid using the Tower Hill area as an access route whenever possible. 

A number of additional steps are being taken to minimise disruption. These include: 

• The reduction of lorry movements on local roads by spreading excavated spoil on nearby fields (owned by Christ’s Hospital); once the spoil has been spread and topsoil overlaid they will be reseeded with a wildflower mix to improve biodiversity and returned to pasture. 

• The implementation of an approved Construction Management Environmental Plan encompassing all aspects of the project. 

• The limitation of times of construction work to 08:00-18:00 Monday to Friday and 08:00-13:00 on Saturdays. 

• Measures to reduce or avoid impact on biodiversity and habitats during the construction period. 

We greatly appreciate the patience of our neighbours as our contractors work at pace to develop facilities which will significantly benefit the whole community.  Please be assured that the consideration, safety and wellbeing of our local community will remain a priority as the work progresses and we hope to work together to rapidly address any issues that may arise. 

In 2021 Christ’s Hospital submitted and funded the new 30mph speed restriction along Tower Hill Road from The Boars Head Pub to Christ’s Hospital to help improve road safety. For events, we will ensure that the traffic is managed in line with the traffic management plan, including the deployment of marshals at key road junctions. 

Christ’s Hospital School is funding the development through philanthropic contributions made over a number of years and through continued fundraising. 

Although planning consent was also granted for an extension to the building and for a new Astroturf pitch, only phase one (as outlined) is being undertaken at this stage. 

The athletics track and padel courts will be illuminated by a time-limited LED floodlighting system to optimise participation throughout the year. 

The lighting scheme has been designed with a strict management system consisting of individually controllable lighting zones allowing the padel courts and various areas of the athletics track to be illuminated or dimmed independently, including dimmers on higher lighting rigs.  A 9pm curfew will govern the level of lighting and number of lights around the facility. 

Restrictions will continue to apply on the number and size of events held at weekends, with capacity in keeping with the current event capacity at Bluecoat Sports.  Bluecoat Sports will endeavour to ensure that all of the events create as minimal impact as possible.  An Event Transport Management Plan will be submitted to Horsham District Council for approval prior to the opening of the new facilities to help plan and reduce traffic impact on the local road network. 

In 2021 Christ’s Hospital submitted and funded the new 30mph speed restriction along Tower Hill Road from The Boars Head Pub to Christ’s Hospital to help improve road safety.  For events, we will ensure that the traffic is managed in line with the traffic management plan, including the deployment of marshals at key road junctions. 

Ensuring the safety and wellbeing of pupils, staff and local residents during the construction work is a central part of the Construction Management Plan.  Relevant measures include a separate construction access point away from the School drive and a fully-enclosed and fenced construction site with warning signs.  The site will be managed within the Construction Design Management regulations with security and impact on surrounding residents a key part of this.