17 Apr 2025
Up to 470 new homes could be built on land adjacent to Oaklands College in order to fund the replacement of outdated facilities with state-of-the-art sustainable buildings,
The project is the next phase of the redevelopment of the St Albans campus in order to enhance learning opportunities for students and benefit the entire community. The project will be funded by Taylor Wimpey North Thames, which is proposing new homes and a mixed-use development on part of the college’s land.
The plans align with SADC’s Local Plan and the Sandridge Neighbourhood Plan, with the aim of providing much-needed homes for local people, including affordable housing.
There will also be well as a new local centre to provide a central hub for residents and 80 extra care homes to meet local community needs.
The broader investment plan for the St Albans campus includes an expanded special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) provision with a new High Needs Centre for
those with profound learning difficulties, updated recreational and sporting facilities for the whole community, the creation of a creative gateway for the film and TV industry and the restoration of the historic Mansion House.
Safeguarded space for a primary school is also being proposed, along with enhanced open spaces including improved access routes, boosted biodiversity, new play spaces and better accessibility.
Oaklands College is now inviting residents to share their views and give feedback on the plans, with a community drop-in event next Thursday, April 24, from 3.30-7.30pm in the college’s Construction Centre.
This aims to provide the local community with further information and hear their views on the proposals ahead of submission to SADC in June. If approved, works at the college are expected to start in 2027, with the new educational buildings open and operational by 2030.
Oaklands principal and CEO Andrew Slade said: “The plans for Oaklands College will not only provide excellent facilities and improve accessibility, particularly for our SEND students, but will benefit the St Albans community as a whole, together with local businesses.
“We’re excited to be partnering with Taylor Wimpey – the housebuilder prioritises the environment in its schemes and is helping to make our plans to improve the college a
reality, as well as providing much-needed new homes and amenities for the community.”
Residents can also visit the dedicated project website at www.stalbansvillage-consultation.co.uk, email the team at info@stalbansvillage-consultation.co.uk, or call the Freephone number on 0800 148 8911.
