NOTES TAKEN AT THE PUBLIC MEETING, 24th May 2001 (continued)

On the upper ground floor, there will be an entry and admin area, though this is one aspect of the scheme currently undergoing revision. There will be circulation areas with lifts and stairs; the lifts allowing wheelchair users to overcome the differences in floor levels between the new block and the existing building. On the top floor will be the new graphics and music rooms. The narrowness of the building means that circulation will be difficult, so the rooms will be entered from one end or the other. Regarding the elevations, Mr Powell said that he had 'been heavily in consultation' with both the city planners and English Heritage. It was English Heritage who had suggested that the extension should be a modern building, so as not to 'compete' with the existing listed building. The current intention, he explained, is to use copper cladding together with cedar cladding; taking care not to put the copper below the cedar, as this would cause a chemical reaction.

Question: Do you envisage any problems with the Highways officers, owing to the entrance being so close to the traffic lights?

Answer (TP): The highways people have been at our meetings. They haven't been concerned about the distance from the lights; but they don't want extra access points.

Question: Won't there be a swimming pool?

Answer (TP): No, funds are limited. (ST): A swimming pool is desirable but not essential. Many schools don't have them. There will not be a swimming pool for the time being.

Question: A few years ago we were told that the School was to become co-ed. How come there'll be more students in a smaller building?

Answer (CH): The proposed increase in student numbers was turned down by the government.

Question: Is there still definitely going to be ample recreation and playground space?

Answer (ST): Don't forget we have a games field across the road. There is ample space if you count that; it's not too far away. What we'll lose is a large square playground; but we'll gain a grassed quadrangle. There'll still be a football and netball area.

Question: What kind of design life are you envisaging in a school environment for the cedar and copper?

Answer (TP): A long life. They are both low-maintenance materials.

Question: Timber as a structural or cladding material in Liverpool is a major concern to me. It can catch fire. Copper also has a value; and this is Liverpool. Aren't you concerned at the risk of theft or damage?

Answer (TP): Do students set fire to schools here? I haven't noticed any graffiti around the school. Removing the copper will not be easy; it'll require special equipment as it'll be laminated to sheets of plywood. (CH): We have asked the architect to look at providing, say, a three-metre high brick strip at ground level.

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(These notes were taken by a member of the Wavertree Society
and are NOT an official record.  E. & O.E.)

Key to abbreviations: CH = Chris Hallows, IQ = Ian Quayle,
PH = Peter Healey, ST = Sandy Tittershill, TP = Trevor Powell