25th September 2012 NEWS RELEASE FROM FROM OASIS

This week, the Department for Education will be submitting a Change of Use Planning Application to the London Borough of Lambeth for Hercules House, Hercules Road, London, SE1 7DU. The Change of Use application, prepared by Architects Co-Partnership, will be to change the buildings designation from office, to mixed educational and office use. It is hoped that, in the near future, the site will be acquired in order to accommodate Oasis Academy South Bank - Oasis Community Learnings proposed Free School which is due to open in September 2013. The school will launch with an initial intake of 120 Year 7 students. Oasis has discussed the proposal with the London Borough of Lambeths Children and Young Peoples Services and Planning teams and is in deep discussion with the Department for Education over the acquisition of the building in order to establish the new secondary school. Once secured, the building will be redesigned to offer students an exceptional learning environment with state of the art facilities. We also envisage the new school will provide a significant economic boost to local shops and businesses. Across our network of schools around the country our students have always become ambassadors for their local community. In September 2013, Oasis Academy South Bank will open in temporary accommodation for up to one year. A second permanent option for the site has also been identified, however the preferred option is Hercules House, as this would ensure the most timely transition from temporary to permanent accommodation for the school. There will be consultation meeting on 17th October 2012 at 8pm at the Oasis Centre, 1 Kennington Road, London, SE1 7HS where local residents and community members can meet Oasis Founder, Steve Chalke, ask questions and be updated on our progress.

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Editors Notes:
1) Oasis Academy South Bank was granted approval from the DFE to move into the pre-opening stage in July 2012. 2) For more information on the school or the Hercules House planning application please visit our website: www.oasiscademysouthbank.org follow us on Twitter - @oasissouthbank - or contact Lucia Glynn, Programme Manager, by email lucia.glynn@oasisuk.org or by phone on 07769 289198