Cost of controversial Dudley special school project has risen to £17.7 million
The cost of building a new school for children with special needs has risen by £1.6 million, a new report reveals.
Members of Dudley Council will on Monday be told that the cost of the new Pens Meadow School has risen by £1.6 million according to latest projections.
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The project has come under fire from opposition leaders, who said the council could not afford it in the present financial climate.
But Councillor Patrick Harley, leader of Dudley Council, has insisted that the council would plough on with the scheme, saying it will save the authority money in the long term.
In an update on the council's capital programme, Councillor Harley said: "An increase in budget of £1.6 million from £16.1 million to £17.7 million is proposed in line with latest projections.
"This increase has arisen owing to the general economic position in the construction industry with rising costs during the build period from supply chain subcontractors and suppliers. "
He said that additional budget could be sourced from children’s capital grant fund.
The school, on the site of the former Pensnett School, will cater for 155 pupils aged three-19, with acute special needs, including those with autism and profound and multiple learning difficulties
He said that at present the council was having to spend £60,000 to £90,000 a year for each child to use special private provision. Once complete, the new school would reduce the cost to £30,000 per pupil.
The new building is expected to be fully operational in January next year, and will boast a modern hydrotherapy pool, a rebound pit, and a large trampoline sunk into the floor to help pupils develop motor skills.
It will also have therapy rooms, outdoor teaching and play areas, a forest school area and 14 larger classrooms where the layouts can be adapted for children with additional needs.
Councillor Steve Clark, cabinet member for resources, said: "It is incredible to see our plans turning into bricks and mortar and I’m so proud to be a part of this vital project that will play a huge part in the lives of families from across the borough.
“It was a pleasure to visit the site today and see the incredible progress that we are making and, as we get near to completion, it’s great to hear how the school is preparing the pupils for transition to their new purpose-built school.”
Councillor Wayne Little, cabinet member for children’s services, said: "I am thrilled to celebrate the opening of our new special educational needs school in Dudley, a landmark achievement for our community.
“This state-of-the-art facility ensures that our children with special educational needs and disabilities can thrive in a supportive environment right here at home, without the need to travel outside Dudley.
“It’s a proud step forward in providing inclusive, local education for all our children."
Headmistress Marie Hunter added: “We are delighted to see our new school site nearing completion, it truly is a dream come true for the staff, pupils and parents.
“The facilities here will help us to meet the complex needs of our pupils and enhance provision for our incredible Pens Meadow Community.”
