A SOUTHAMPTON school could see a huge extension to create a new drama studio.

Plans have been lodged with the local authority seeking permission to build a two-storey extension at King Edward VI School in Shirley.

The Wilton Road school, which teaches around 970 students aged between 11 and 18-years-old, has submitted the plans to build a new drama, arts, and sports department building.

It will provide 160m2 of additional floor space over the two storeys, and it is hoped that the space will "improve the overall functionality of the existing building".

The school claims this will allow it to deliver a "wider and more flexible" curriculum for drama, art, and sport.

Headteacher, Neal Parker, said that the existing theatre is currently being used as an extended specialist study centre.

The Twigg Theatre was named after a student who died in 2002. 

Robert Twigg, 17, was deputy head boy at Southampton's King Edward VI College.

He died in a tragic car crash on the A30 at Chattershill near Stockbridge 20 years ago.

Mr Parker said: "The Twigg Theatre is a studio theatre space at King Edward’s used for smaller productions, as well as drama lessons. 

"It is named in honour of a beloved student who died suddenly in 2002. This year we have refurbished a wonderful new sixth form common room so that our oldest students have class-leading facilities to work, learn and socialise. 

"The new sixth form has incorporated the existing Twigg Theatre as an extended specialist study centre. 

"Accordingly, we are applying to rebuild the Twigg as a fabulous new studio theatre for our students and the wider community. 

"We hope that the council will grant the planning permission, as we know that it will hugely enhance our creative arts programme, as well as our partnership work across the city and county."

The development would see the felling of an existing mature tulip tree, which has been described as "regretful but necessary".

The plans state that the school is "committed to greening their environment" having recently planted 14 trees on its grounds.

There are also plans for further planting and landscaping "in the future".

The school was first built in 1938 and was designed by E. Berry Webber.

The central block of the school is now a Listed Building.

A message from the Editor

Thank you for reading this article - we appreciate your support in reading the Daily Echo.

Subscribing to the Echo means you have unrestricted access to the latest news, features and Saints coverage - all with an advertising-light website.

You will also have full access to Saintsplus, your new home for Southampton FC tactical analysis, features and much, much more.

Don't take my word for it - subscribe here to see for yourself.

Follow the latest breaking news in the Southampton area by joining our Facebook group - Southampton News - Breaking News and Incidents

Follow the latest court and crime news on our dedicated Facebook group - Hampshire Court and Crime News