Pupils learn of future for old Goodyear site
Children have been given a sneak peek at the redevelopment of a former factory site.
Pupils at Bushbury Lane Academy visited the old 18-acre Goodyear site in Wolverhampton, which the school overlooks, to learn about the regeneration project.
The old Goodyear tyre base is being transformed for housing by developer St Modwen. Bosses joined forces with Elford Demolition and Remediation Limited, which has been contracted to carry out demolition work, to give the children a glimpse into the scheme.
The children were given a demonstration of the equipment used on-site, along with educational materials about the construction industry.
Emily Guest, construction manager at St Modwen, said: “We recognise that this site is of huge interest to people in the local area and those pupils who attend the school.
“We’re keen to engage those who are directly impacted by the demolition work and will benefit from the proposed improvements to the school entrance.
“Showing the pupils around the site not only keeps the school up to speed with progress, it is also a fantastic opportunity to educate the youngsters on the construction industry.
“It’s always brilliant to see the excitement on children’s faces when they get up close to the machinery.”
Kate Benton, headteacher at Bushbury Lane Academy, said: “The children and staff were so excited to be given the opportunity to explore the former Goodyear site.
“The children are often asking what is going on and the sound of ‘ooh and ahh’ when they see the new machinery is a joy to hear on the playground.
“I’m sure many will leave school dreaming of driving a digger.”
St Modwen submitted a planning application in June 2017 for up to 220 new houses and is currently waiting on a decision.
As part of the new development, St Modwen plans to improve the access and entrance to the school. This will involve the removal of the acoustic fence that sits close to the school entrance, to provide a more open setting with new landscaping and improved parking.
