Highgate School Workshops Update

Following the public meeting in June 2023 in response to Highgate School’s large-scale development plans across a number of their sites, and as a result of the Highgate Society’s request to set up community workshops with the school and local groups, we are pleased to report that the workshops are now underway. There have been 2 workshops so far facilitated by the King’s Foundation and attended by representatives from Highgate School, the Highgate Society, the Highgate Neighbourhood Forum, the Highgate Conservation Area Advisory Committee, as well as representatives from the Southwood Lane, Kingsley Place and Broadlands Road Residents Associations.

The process started with a pre-workshop planning meeting where general principles for the workshops were agreed by all parties: 

• That all parties respect the integrity of the process and agree to it.
• That all parties are prepared to contribute and participate, with a willingness where possible to try to find common ground around some of the issues; and how proposals may be looked at again, including possibly amending, updating, or changing.

• That whilst the workshop process seeks to reach amicable outcomes, it is recognised that there is still a statutory planning process and that the workshop process does not deprive anyone of their rights under the statutory consultation process on any new submitted documentation.

• It should be borne in mind that the workshops could be referred to as part of an updated statement of community involvement supporting any new, revised or amended submissions.

The first workshop covered the School’s needs and development strategy, and their Construction Management Plan. The second workshop covered sustainability, biodiversity and Highgate School’s Travel Plan, as well as the School’s plan to cover the Far Field with artificial turf. The format has been baseline presentations including an overview of proposals and areas of concern followed by questions and discussions. The next workshop is scheduled for early September and will cover Dyne House and the Science Block, followed by a workshop for the Mallinson and Richards Music Centre. At the end of September there will be a round up and review meeting. We have been impressed with professional facilitation of these meetings by the King’s Foundation and the robust challenge by the various groups. We hope that the school will take on board the feedback from these workshops and revise and reduce the scale of their plans.