Work on £3.2m extension to Telford school begins
Work has started on a £3.2m expansion at a Telford school to deliver new classrooms, a nursery extension and other improvements to meet an increased demand for places.
The work at Ladygrove Primary in Old Office Road, Dawley will create up to 13 new full-time jobs and provide room for up to 150 extra pupils, taking the school's roll up to 420. The work is expected to be finished by the end of July 2019.
The project involves building a single storey block of five classrooms, a nursery extension with entrance area, a hall, toilets, and office space. The existing kitchen at the school will also be removed and replaced with a much larger one.
Externally there will be an enclosed soft play area provided at the rear of the nursery. Additional car parking and paved areas will be created within newly landscaped grounds. The extension will replace two former demountable classrooms and an area of out of use grassland.
The facilities are needed to cater for new homes being built in the school’s catchment area. Council officials say they will enhance the school’s function and enable the increased number of pupils to learn and play in a safe and open environment.
Ladygrove Primary Head Teacher Jo Weichlbauer said: “This is a very exciting development for both the school and the community and we are looking forward to the work being completed and welcoming all our new pupils.
“The work is being carried out with the minimum of disruption and in sympathy to the peaceful locality the school is situated in and I would like to thank all our local residents for their patience and understanding while it is being completed.”
Councillor Shirley Reynolds, Telford & Wrekin Council’s cabinet member for education, said: “Telford is the fastest growth point in the West Midlands, which is great for businesses and jobs. We are constantly working to ensure that we met these demands, we consider changes in population and provide excellent educational facilities for new families.
“The demand for more school places in this area is all part of that and this project to significantly enhance and extend the facilities at Ladygrove Primary will mean the school will have facilities for an extra 150 pupils, which is great for the school and the area.”
The work at Ladygrove is being carried out by Shrewsbury-based Morris Property.
Steve Flavell, construction manager for the company, said: “We are delighted to be awarded this major scheme which will enhance the school and meet the demand from local families.
“We are mindful of the need to work around the school’s requirements when pupils and staff are present, to ensure disruption is kept to a minimum."
