PLANS for a new performance venue which have been four years in the making have been revealed by Ringwood School.

The school revealed its new venue, the Barn, after four years of planning and working to obtain funding.

Leanne Symonds, headteacher, said: “We are delighted that, as part of this new build, our students will have a refreshed and enlarged eating space, much more in keeping with provision at most secondary schools.

“The reconfiguration should mean much shorter queues and all year-round access to a dining space that isn’t interrupted by many school activities including exams, performances and evening events.

“In addition to this, the Barn gives us so many new and enhanced opportunities for both our students but also for the wider community.

“If you want to find out more do check out our project website.”

The project was made possible thanks to a £2.1m grant from the Education and Skills Funding Agency’s Condition Improvement Fund.

The Condition Improvement Fund (CIF) is an annual bidding round for eligible academies, sixth-form colleges and voluntary aided schools to apply for capital funding.

The priority for the fund is to address significant condition need, keeping education provider buildings safe and in good working order.

The auditorium will sit up to 650 people and contain a cinema grade projection system, theatrical sound system and moveable lighting truss.

A dedicated technical control room is provided and can be used to teach BTEC production and performing arts within the school.

Sam Coombes, operations manager for Ringwood School said: “This project is the result of many years’ hard work to bring a facility to Ringwood that is so desperately needed.

“Our school community is the heartbeat of the town, and our students are as excited about bringing this space to Ringwood as we are.

“I really look forward to working with them on the many planned fundraising events over the coming months and to the launch of the Barn in Summer 2022.”