Soon-to-be empty council offices could make way for new Wolverhampton special school

Soon-to-be empty council offices could be demolished to make way for a special school, new plans have revealed.

The ageing Priory Green offices in Whitburn Close, Pendeford, Wolverhampton would be flattened to make way for a new purpose-built  120-pupil school.

The work, submitted by Central Learning Partnership Trust, would see Broadmeadow Special School re-locate from its current home in Lansdowne Road, next to the city’s West Park, to the new building in Pendeford.

Broadmeadow Special School opened in Whitmore Reans in 1997 as a 30-place nursery for children with special needs and was extended into the neighbouring Whitmore Reans Family Hub and a pair of temporary classrooms on its car park in 2023. 

The new school would cater for up to 120 children with special educational needs aged between four and 19-years-old – a step-up from the 75 children aged up to 11-years-old that are currently accommodated. 

The application said the existing building was not “designed for purpose” and the school had “made the best out of the facilities available.” 

The school is currently in need of a “major refurbishment” and an entire new roof, the application to City of Wolverhampton Council said, and its toilets were not designed for older children. 

The existing community centre and library would remain and be unaffected by the proposals for the new school. 

Part of the neighbouring St Paul’s Primary School’s playing field would be given to the new school as outdoor space. 

The ageing Priory Green offices were among several buildings deemed ‘surplus to requirements’ by City of Wolverhampton Council last year and put up for sale as part of cost-cutting measures. 

The offices are currently home to council safeguarding staff and are set to be vacated this month.

A statement included with the application said: “Given the special needs of the pupils, as well as their age, Broadmeadow Special School is staff heavy. 

“This clearly has an effect on access and parking provision required, although its current near city centre location makes it relatively easy for staff (and parents), to utilise public transport. 

“Any alternative site to be considered, had to bear this in mind and local public transport links to Priory Green are very good. 

“Pupils generally arrive by mini-bus, or taxi, with the odd private car and therefore need a drop-off area with good access and egress from the site, at the busy times of start and end of the school day. 

“The current system is a well-oiled machine and from the time of the last bell, to the last mini-bus leaving site is approximately 15 minutes.”