A SIXTH form centre is planning to expand with a brand new multimedia facility at its campus.

Durham Sixth Form, based in the city centre, is planning its first substantial expansion since 2006, with aims of creating an “inspirational learning environment”.

Headteacher Ellen Beveridge has submitted the application for the new building, which, if approved, would be built at the centre’s site in Freeman’s Place.

The modern complex would be used as a new multimedia and IT facility with industry standard equipment, as well as a hub for teaching training.

It will have multimedia and IT teaching spaces, a conference and events space and a social space including a cafe and external seating area as well as offices, staff areas and storage space.

The planning application says: “The design allows for the creation of an inspirational learning environment within a well developed sustainable and robust building, with the provision of flexible and adaptable spaces which will meet changing educational needs.”

The two storey block would be on the car park, between the sixth form’s existing buildings and the Durham County Council-owned leisure centre Freeman Quays.

A new car park is also proposed for the north of the site, which will compensate for spaces lost as a result of the new building.

A number of trees would have to be felled to make way for the scheme.

Ms Beveridge said: “The new build will be a specialist media and computing suite which will house the most up to date industry standard equipment.

“In response to local labour market trends, the facility will offer courses which prepare students to access competitive media and computing related progression pathways and careers.

“In addition, the new facility will be a hub for teacher training in the post-16 sector.

“Building on our outstanding reputation and recent judgement from Ofsted, this development will enable us to continue to offer a broad range of courses.”

The school has been a centre of learning in Durham for more than a century. The first school opened on the site in 1913 as Durham Girls’ County School.

It was given co-educational status in 1969 and became predominantly a sixth form provider in 1984.

The original building is neo-Georgian but the site includes a number of more modern buildings.

It is hoped the building work will start later this year.