QUEEN Elizabeth’s School has held a community panel meeting to let local people have their say on plans to repair and refurbish a key building for arts education.

The Crediton secondary academy wants to modernise College House and for the school and community to be able to use it.

The Grade II listed building was built in 1859 in the Gothic Revival architectural style and is located at the school’s Western Road campus.

The first community panel meeting about its future took place on Thursday, June 18 at the Barnfield campus library.

Local organisations, community representatives, councillors, staff, governors and students took part.

Attendees shared a wide range of aspirations for the building, including community arts facilities, drama and rehearsal spaces, spaces for community groups to hire and more.

The group will meet regularly as the project develops. The next meeting is expected to happen in the autumn.

“College House has enormous potential, not only as an important part of our heritage but as a space that can bring people together for generations to come,” Headteacher Paula Smith said.

“It was inspiring to hear so many thoughtful ideas from local organisations, community representatives and our students.

“Their contributions reinforced the importance of creating a space that reflects the needs, aspirations and creativity of the people it will serve.

“We are committed to working collaboratively with our community as plans develop and ensuring that College House becomes a welcoming, inclusive and valuable asset for Crediton.”

The plans for College House come as part of a “long-term ambition” to unite the school onto one location in the town (it currently has two sites at Western Road and Barnfield).

But the school has stressed that “it is still working in partnership to find the best solution for all stakeholders and no decisions have been made”.