Express & Star

Builder to spend £500,000 on improvements to Wolverhampton school

A developer and regeneration specialist has committed £500,000 to improve the outlook of Bushbury Lane Academy, a primary school located on the edge of Wolverhampton's 18-acre former Goodyear factory site.

Published
Aaron Turner from Elford Demolition and Remediation, pupils Rowan Page, Alexandra Ivli and Sienna Salustro,and Emily Guest from St Modwen at the former Goodyear factory

Birmingham-based St Modwen recently received planning permission for its final phase of development on the site, which includes the creation of 230 homes, including affordable housing.

Work on the demolition and remediation of the site is well advanced and is expected to be completed by March when St Modwen Homes will start the improvements.

As part of the developer’s ongoing commitment to the local community and those located nearby, it will transform Bushbury Lane Academy’s frontage by removing the overbearing acoustic fence that sits close to the school entrance, building an open and attractive setting with new landscaping and extra green space.

The developer will also create an extra 30 parking spaces, increasing the school’s limited staff and parent parking.

Change

Earlier this year, pupils and staff from Bushbury Lane Academy were given a glimpse into the world of redevelopment during a tour of the former Goodyear factory site, led by St Modwen and Elford Demolition and Remediation.

Peter Rudd, development director at St Modwen, said: “There’s been a lot of change happening on-site and we know that demolition and building work can be disconcerting for local people and organisations.

"Bushbury Lane Academy is located right on the periphery and is attended by more than 220 pupils, so it’s important that they benefit from the development work taking place. Once complete, we’re confident the outlook of the school and its parking facilities will be vastly improved.”

Kate Benton, head at Bushbury Lane Academy, added: "We're so excited that St Modwen will be committing such a huge sum of money to improving the building and frontages of the school, helping us ensure the exterior reflects the amazing work that is going on inside the school from the children and staff.

"I know that this will be a truly special moment for Bushbury Lane Academy as we welcome new families and pupils to our school."