New £6m school for Smethwick
A new £6 million primary school for Sandwell has been given the go-ahead by planning bosses.
Plans for the Shireland Technology Primary in Smethwick were passed unanimously by Sandwell Council's planning committee, giving the green light to creating 446 places for children ranging from nursery to juniors at the site on Waterloo Road.
It will be the first primary school to be built in Smethwick in a decade and is expected to open next September with an initial intake of 150 pupils.
Councillors passed plans for 15 classrooms, specialist science rooms, a large hall, a library and a suite for children with special educational needs and disabilities.
Kirsty Tonks, school principal, said: “In Smethwick, demand for primary school places is high; we not only want to meet this demand but set a high precedent for primary education as a whole.
"Technology will be utilised within our exciting curriculum to bring learning to life, enabling our pupils to excel.
“Our founding pupils will have the unique opportunity to start this journey with us. Alongside their families, they will also help to shape the academy.
"When we do open our doors in September 2019 we will be at the beginning of something truly special.”
Councillor Simon Hackett, cabinet member for Children’s Services, speaking before the planning committee gave consent, said: “This is the first brand new primary school that has opened in Sandwell for more than a decade.
"We are looking forward to working with Shireland Collegiate Academy Trust to deliver this new primary school.”
By George Makin, Local Democracy Reporter
