The Waterbeach team pushed with local partners the potential for a school with no car access: literally designing out the “drop off” challenge. The layout ensures easy and quick access for walk and cycle drop off and collection, but the nearest parking would be further away than the short walk from the homes the school will serve.
The school will still enable access for disabled drivers, as well as emergency services and coaches, but has been cleverly designed to have no direct car access. The design is a core part of ensuring a culture of active travel is instilled from a young age, and from people’s first experience of life at Waterbeach.
The design and layout is now being prepared for consultation and then submission, with the aim of opening in September 2023.