Thumbs up for Wolverhampton special school replacement
Vacant offices will be demolished to make way for a £16.4m special school in Pendeford, after council planners gave the scheme the green light this week.
City of Wolverhampton Council says the Department for Education-backed rebuild will replace the existing Broadmeadow Special School at West Park, increasing capacity from 75 to 120 places and extending provision from ages 3 to 11 years up to age 19.
The proposals also include the demolition of the council’s former Priory Green offices at the 3.5-acre site on Whitburn Close.
Granting permission, the council said the development would deliver significant educational, social and community benefits, helping to meet current and future demand for specialist school places in Wolverhampton.
Funding for the project was agreed by the council’s cabinet last month, although the scheme is subject to a final sign off from the Departmenr for Education before work can begin.
Councillor Jacqui Coogan, cabinet member for education, said: “The decision recognises the clear need for additional specialist provision in Wolverhampton and brings us a step closer to delivering this fantastic new school.
“Demand for specialist school places continues to grow, and these plans will help ensure that more pupils with additional needs can access the high quality education and support they need closer to home.
“This project has been many years in the making, and I would like to thank everyone involved for their hard work and commitment in reaching this stage. We now look forward to securing final approval from the Department for Education and turning these plans into reality for children, young people and families across Wolverhampton.”
Astley Partnership provided designs and planning support for the scheme.
Plans and documents relating to the proposals can be found on Wolverhampton’s planning portal, using reference: 26/00496/FUL
