Telford nursery officially opens at new facility on former care home site after being displaced by a regeneration project
A Telford nursery that was forced to relocate due to major redevelopment work has re-opened inside its new facility on the site of a former care home.
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Telford & Wrekin Council announced today (February 24) that Oakengates Nursery School has officially began operating from its new facility which has been built on the former Cartlidge House site.
The nursery was forced to vacate its previous base within Telford Theatre which is being regenerated as part of the town’s Theatre Quarter project.
The theatre is due to reopen in October 2026 after a £26million rebuild which includes a larger main auditorium and community arts room.
The council said Oakengates Nursery School's new facility is a third of a mile from its previous location and was funded by the council and Central Government funding.
The nursery's new facility has been designed to have a capacity of 108 children.
The local authority said the new facility includes landscaped outdoor spaces to "encourage exploration and play", dedicated parking, and learning environments that "provide a welcoming space for children and staff".
Telford & Wrekin Council’s Cabinet Member for Children, Young People, Education, Employment & Skills, Councillor Shirley Reynolds said: "The Oakengates Nursery School relocation is part of our vision to create a modern, immersive learning environment that fosters early childhood development and supports the needs of families in the community.
"The relocation ensures that Oakengates Nursery will continue to serve the community with the same intake capacity, but with enhanced resources and facilities.
"This project reflects our commitment to delivering high-quality early education and supporting the growing needs of local families across Telford and Wrekin and we are delighted to see this outstanding new facility open."
The council added that work is "moving at pace" to transform Oakengates town centre.
Work includes the conversion of retail units which date back to the 1960s into modern units with apartments above alongside improving the appearance of shop frontages in a bid to make the town centre more appealing to visitors.
Contracts Manager at Morris Property, Mark Bennett, who officially handed over the keys to Oakengates Nursery School said: "We're delighted to have delivered this high-quality nursery facility for the children at Oakengates Nursery School.
"It's been a rewarding project and we’re pleased with the finished result. We hope the children flourish in their new surroundings and enjoy all the opportunities this space provides."
