Decision due on new technology school plan
Plans to build a new technology learning centre on the site of a recently-demolished Wolverhampton primary school will go before city council bosses next week.
The 112-year-old former Edward the Elder building in Lichfield Road, Wednesfield, was bulldozed in June to make way for the state-of-the-art Wednesfield Technology Primary School.
Submitted by Birmingham-based Tilbury Douglas Construction Ltd, the application for the new two-storey school will also include a full refurbishment of the existing lodge – the only remaining historic building left on the site.
Nine letters relating to the development have been received by the council, citing parking problems, a disruption to the flow of traffic, pedestrian safety, security issues and a loss of wildlife as issues for concern.
However councillors have been recommended to grant the proposal subject to a unilateral undertaking and conditions.
In a report to members, planner Tracey Homfray said: “The new building will incorporate a two-storey block with a single storey for the hall and kitchen. The design is Passivhaus – meaning it will achieve a very high level of energy efficiency.
“The external layout incorporates parking to the front with an access/exit off Lichfield Road and a drop off/pick up area. There is a soft outdoor PE area along the adjacent canalside and also a hard outdoor area, along with soft and hard informal and social areas. There are also habitat and wooded areas.
“A grass playing pitch is proposed along the eastern boundary with the canal and there is a hard surface play area along the western boundary with properties along Lichfield Road.
“Recent noise and lighting reports have evidenced no significant impact to neighbouring amenities. Acoustic fencing is proposed along the western boundary with those properties adjacent to the play areas, to reduce the impact of noise, light and general disturbance to surrounding housing,” she added.
“The new school will improve educational provision in this part of the city, updating the existing school site and providing good quality facilities for the benefit of future generations of children.”
Although not listed, the landmark former structure – one of the city’s oldest school buildings – dated back to 1910 but had stood empty and almost forgotten since 2007. The date stone has been carefully removed and will be repositioned adjacent to the entrance of the new development.
The new facility will provide teaching spaces for the following numbers of children: nursery (26); reception (60); key stage 1 (120) and key stage 2 (240). There will be 45 full-time staff when the establishment is operating at capacity.
Run by the Shireland Collegiate Academy Trust, the school is expected to open in September 2023. Planners will discuss the application next Tuesday.
