UPDATE: Community members in Gedling are urgently calling for the redevelopment of the former Sherwood E-ACT Academy site into recreational green space. The site has remained vacant and overgrown since the school closed in 2016 and subsequent demolition in 2019, leading to growing concerns about its future use.
Local residents are raising their voices as the Gedling Borough Council’s Issues and Options document from July 2025 identifies the site as a potential area for redevelopment. Many residents are advocating for a community-focused transformation rather than housing developments, emphasizing the need for recreational facilities, especially for youth.
Mrs. Smith, a local resident who moved near the site in 2019, stated she is open to various developments but expressed concerns about parking if housing is built. “I don’t mind anything. I’m not keen on a three-storey flat block, but two storey would be OK,” she remarked.
Conversely, Mrs. Matthews, 89, who has lived by the site for over 60 years, conveyed her fear of a full housing development. “I would hate to think I could face a new housing development,” she said. “We could do with some shops.”
Alex Bridges, a resident for 25 years, passionately argued for preserving green space, saying, “It should be made into a mini park. It’s the only bit of green space around here without going into Gedling Country Park.” His sentiment resonates with many who feel the need for accessible recreational facilities.
Local councillor Clive Towsey-Hinton, representing the Phoenix ward, is echoing public sentiment. He previously campaigned for the reopening of a multi-use games area that was closed in 2019. “There are no recreational facilities in the area for our youth to enjoy,” he stated. “We can’t criticize our youth if we don’t provide them with some form of recreational facility.”
The ongoing discussions about the site’s future are crucial, especially with the nearby Chase Farm development projected to increase the local population. One anonymous resident suggested that establishing a new school on the site could be beneficial for the community, highlighting the strain on local educational facilities.
In response to inquiries about the site’s future, a spokesperson for Nottinghamshire County Council confirmed: “The Sherwood E-Act site is part of our ongoing disposals programme, and we have been working with Gedling Borough Council to bring this forward as part of a wider regeneration scheme.”
Meanwhile, the Gedling Borough Council spokesperson stated, “The site is included within the Gedling Local Development Plan Issues and Options document as a potential area for growth.” They assured that an assessment of all potential sites is underway to inform future allocations.
Residents are encouraged to participate in upcoming discussions about the future of the Sherwood E-ACT Academy site, emphasizing the critical need for community input in shaping the area. The urgency for action is palpable, as local voices continue to rally for a space that will benefit everyone, especially the youth of Gedling.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.
