Plans to relocate and expand a Wolverhampton special school have secured £16.4 million in council funding.
Broadmeadow Special School will move from its existing West Park premises to a purpose-built facility on the site of the former Priory Green council offices in Pendeford.
The new school would provide 120 places, compared with the existing 75. Its age range would also expand from three-to-11 to three-to-19, allowing pupils to remain at the school throughout their primary and secondary education.
The development is intended to address growing demand for specialist provision in Wolverhampton. Council estimates suggest that accommodating the additional pupils elsewhere—including in placements outside the city—could cost at least £5 million annually if the expansion does not proceed.
The present school has made the best use of its available accommodation, but identified problems reportedly include unsuitable toilets and an inadequately equipped kitchen. The replacement will offer accessible classrooms and indoor and outdoor spaces, alongside facilities supporting communication, sensory development and independent living.
Councillor Jacqui Coogan, Wolverhampton’s cabinet member for children, young people and education, said the investment would give pupils a modern environment designed around their needs. She added that the increased capacity and move to all-age provision would support young people throughout their education.
Central Learning Partnership Trust chief executive Georgetta Holloway welcomed the council’s decision, describing it as an important investment in current and future pupils. She said the trust was looking forward to seeing children thrive in a school specifically designed to meet their needs.
Although the funding has been approved, the project remains subject to planning permission and final agreement from the Department for Education. The council expects to consider the trust’s planning application in the coming weeks.
Pic: Artists impression of Broadmeadow School by Wolverhampton Council
