New chapter for Thatcham's Old Bluecoat School

Trustees exploring next stage of extension plans

THE next chapter in the long history of the Old Bluecoat School is ready to begin.

The trustees of the historic 14th-century chapel on the A4 are looking to extend the building or build a separate annex.

The expansion would create another room, toilets for disabled use and modern kitchen facilities.

The Thatcham (Old Bluecoat School) Charity is also exploring the possibility of holding weddings in the former chapel and schoolhouse.

Last week, trustees sought permission to begin the next step from Thatcham Town Council, which holds the freehold to the building.

The chairman of charity, Clive Williams, said the Old Bluecoat School was a useful facility for Thatcham and that people had strong feelings about the building.

He added that the trust had photographs of the school with Victorian outbuildings situated close by.

Ellen Crumly (Con, Thatcham Central) said she would not support “cutting into the existing building” and would only support a separate annex.

Nathan Gregory (Con, Thatcham South and Crookham) said he had concerns over holding weddings in the chapel as it might “disenfranchise” St Mary’s Church.

But Dominic Boeck (Con, Thatcham South and Crookham) said the town council was being asked to grant permission for the next stage of work in order to “make better use of the fantastic facility that we have already”.

Town councillors gave the green light for trustees to advance with a detailed design for the building.

Last year the town council approved the trust to hire an architect for the scheme. The final go ahead will come from West Berkshire Council once a planning application is submitted.

The expansion proposal follows refurbishment work to the outside of the iconic building in January last year, costing £150,000.

The trust would look to build on land next to the car park on Harts Hill Road, with the project costing between £150,000 and £200,000.

It will seek grant money from organisations that had helped with the previous work, such as the Greenham Common Trust and Veolia.

The building dates back to the early 14th century when it served as St Thomas’ Chapel, holding services for around 250 years.