FUNDING totalling £19.2m has been awarded for the redevelopment of a North Yorkshire secondary school.

The Government grant will allow Richmond School to renovate its Darlington Road campus.

The lower school, in Station Road, will then be closed, meaning the 1,650 students can be taught on one site.

New classrooms will feature the latest computer technology.

Science laboratories, design technology rooms and creative arts rooms will also be built.

Sports facilities will be upgraded, and there will be improved social and play space for pupils.

Education bosses say listed buildings will be preserved

In addition, the redevelopment will reflect the latest thinking on environmentally-friendly buildings.

Councillor John Watson, North Yorkshire County Council's executive member for schools, said: "The local community will benefit as never before.

"A host of activities and services will be developed for local people, making the school an important part of the community.

"This is a unique opportunity to turn the school into a model for 21st Century education in North Yorkshire.

"Standards are high at the school, and improved buildings should enable it to do even better for the young people of Richmond and Swaledale."

A consultation exercise will allow residents to give their views on the scheme.

Meetings will be held where comments can be made.

A further opportunity to comment will be given once outline plans have been produced.

Coun Watson said: "The school has already had experience of three major building projects over recent years, as the library, bus parks and the performing arts centre have been constructed.

"Lessons learned from these projects will help us manage the proposed project.

"Parents will be kept informed at all stages about what is happening, and how the school management team will ensure that quality of education does not suffer."

Work is not expected to start before summer 2007 at the earliest. The redevelopment will be phased in to avoid disrupting lessons.

Once the new building is completed in about four years time, the lower school is likely to be sold off.