Following an article regarding the £34 million revamp of Varndean College (The Argus, May 9), I offer the following context.

On July 9, 1929, old boy alderman H J Galliers, Mayor of Brighton, laid the foundation stone in the main entrance of what was to become Varndean College.

Current accommodation, despite alderman Galliers' hopes of "the finest secondary school in the country" was built for a very different purpose than it is expected to serve today.

The college holds outline planning permission to develop its facilities and the aim of this new project is the further sympathetic development of buildings that many know and love.

The popularity of Varndean College has grown year on year and many young people frequently attribute this to the quality of the environment.

Therefore, many of the original architectural features, in particular the facade and the cloisters, will be retained and every effort will be made to enhance the outlook our neighbours enjoy.

New performing arts buildings, sports facilities, including a hydrotherapy centre and a nursery, all represent a substantial and valuable community asset.

The college will be appointing a community development manager to ensure Varndean continues its long tradition of being at the heart of the community.

I do hope members of the public will visit the college, inspect our plans and give the college their support.

  • Phil Harland, principal, Varndean College, Brighton