Willenhall primary school to be demolished and replaced under new plans
An aging primary school in Willenhall is set to be demolished and replaced.
Stow Heath Primary School in Hill Road, Willenhall, would be demolished and replaced under plans submitted to City of Wolverhampton Council by the Department for Education (DfE).
The work forms part of the government’s ‘school re-building programme’ with the Hill Road school described as in ‘poor condition’ and ‘no longer fit for purpose.’
The Rainbow Day Nursery would remain on the site throughout the work.
An extended 43-place unit for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) would also be built at the new Stow Heath Primary School.
The planning application indicates the new school should be built in time for the new school year in September 2028.
The application said the school would have a “significantly reduced footprint” with a “more efficient” building which would give pupils the benefit of more space outdoors. A new multi-use play area and mini football pitch have also been included in the proposals as well as the planting of more trees to provide an “attractive setting.”
A one-way route is also proposed from Hill Road and exiting via Vaughan Road as well as more parking spaces and a drop-off zone which would “significantly improve issues of congestion” during peak times, the application added.
A statement included with the application said: “The proposed development seeks the removal of all the existing buildings on site, except for the Rainbows Nursery, and the provision of a new purpose built, two-storey, L-shaped new school.
“The school is to be located centrally within the site on the hardstanding play area between the existing school and the soft PE area.
“This location avoids building on the existing mineshafts or over the river culvert beneath the playing field, although does require the diversion of the main sewer.
“The proposed design and layout of the development has evolved as a result of extensive consultation and feedback meetings with the school. The educational needs of the pupils have been paramount in the design of the new school building, external space and grounds.
“The proposals seek to replace buildings no longer fit for purpose, provide an improved site layout to address issues of site congestion, enhance the local environment and benefit the school and local community generally.
“It will present an identifiable image of a regenerated and aspirational educational establishment.”
