A former secondary school in Colchester could be demolished – while two other schools are expanded.

The Alderman Blaxill School in Paxman Avenue finally closed two years’ ago after dwindling pupil numbers in the town, and was used temporarily by the Market Fields School last year while its own site in Elmstead Market was rebuilt.

Essex County Council had planned to keep the site, part of the Stanway Federation of schools, to re-open it in 2017 when the school population grew again.

However viability studies have now revealed the buildings are much worse condition than originally thought, meaning any remodelling work would be more expensive, and the plans have been put on ice.

Instead the authority is now planning schemes costing £12.8million to accomodate 300 more pupils each at The Stanway School and Philip Morant School in the town.

If the proposals go ahead the extra places could be available from September 2017.

The projects would be managed by the schools and are subject to planning permission and other approval.

Ray Gooding, county councillor for education, said: “Colchester is growing fast and we are committed to providing the school places needed to meet the rising demand.

“I am delighted to see proposals being put forward to expand two good and popular schools in the town.

“Over the next few years we expect the pressure on school places to shift from primary to secondary schools.

“We are committed to ensuring all of our projects provide the best possible value for money for Essex taxpayers.

“Unfortunately, refurbishment of the former Alderman Blaxill site would cost significantly more than originally envisaged whilst the structure would have only a short life expectancy.

“The decision has therefore been taken to pause on the project whilst we explore the possibility of a more sustainable new school in the future.”

A community meeting to discuss options for the former Alderman Blaxill site and outline the school places strategy for Colchester will take place at the Shrub End Community Centre from 7pm on Thursday March 17.

A separate meeting is also planned with Colchester secondary headteachers.