St Peter’s School on Whitefields Road is inviting parents and local residents to find out about plans to create a two-storey block on the existing school site.
The proposal is to house a wet weather dining space, some classrooms to provide a cohesive departmental space and an all-weather playing pitch to support the sports curriculum.
A drop-in session, detailing the plans and explaining how the feasibility study is progressing, will be held on 20 July 2023 from 4pm until 6pm in the school’s main hall.
Headteacher, Stuart Shelton, and some of his leadership team will be around to answer questions about this proposal, alongside officers from Solihull Council’s Strategic Land team, who would deliver any agreed scheme on behalf of the school.
The new block will be built on the existing site of the now dilapidated and unused Multi Use Games Area (MUGA) and a replacement MUGA will be provided.
As part of this proposed scheme, it is intended to re-establish a former pedestrian access to the school to allow pupils to enter and leave the school grounds via Monkspath Hall Road and alleviate pressure on Whitefields Road.
The scheme will be jointly funded by the school and the Council, allowing additional flexible spaces to be accommodated, with a maximum of 25 pupils in years 2024/25 and 2027/28.
There are currently no plans for a permanent expansion of the school.
The school are undertaking a feasibility study and would like to share this with the community to gain feedback, prior to finalising the scheme. Once a final design has been agreed a formal planning application will be submitted to the Council’s Planning Committee, providing further opportunity for comment.
Cllr Michael Gough, Solihull Council’s Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, said:
“I hope local residents and parents will come along to find out a little more about these proposals. I know the school is keen to keep everyone informed, even at this early stage. If the feasibility study is positive, the proposal will provide much needed new accommodation and improve the educational environment for our children at the school.”
Stuart Shelton, Headteacher at St Peter’s, said:
“The new building will provide a cohesive departmental space and a break-out area for pupils to use in adverse weather.
“If the feasibility study comes back positive, I am sure parents and our local residents will welcome the creation of a new entrance that will lead out on to Monkspath Hall Road. We are happy to welcome the extra pupils for that short period to provide places for children in the borough.”
The proposed plans, and letter to parents and residents can be found here.