New plans have revealed that soon-to-be-empty council offices in Wolverhampton could be demolished to make way for a new special school. The ageing Priory Green offices in Whitburn Close, Pendeford, would be flattened to allow the construction of a purpose-built 120-pupil school.
The application, submitted by the Central Learning Partnership Trust, proposes that Broadmeadow Special School relocate from its current home on Lansdowne Road, adjacent to West Park, to the new site in Pendeford. Broadmeadow Special School originally opened in Whitmore Reans in 1997 as a 30-place nursery for children with special needs. It was expanded in 2023 into the neighbouring Whitmore Reans Family Hub and two temporary classrooms on its car park.
The new school would accommodate up to 120 children aged four to 19 with special educational needs, a significant increase from the current 75 children up to age 11. The application states that the existing building was not "designed for purpose" and that the school has "made the best out of the facilities available." It highlights the need for a major refurbishment and a new roof, noting that the toilets are unsuitable for older children.
The existing community centre and library would remain unaffected by the proposals. Part of the neighbouring St Paul's Primary School's playing field would be allocated to the new school for outdoor space. The Priory Green offices were among several buildings deemed "surplus to requirements" by City of Wolverhampton Council last year and put up for sale as part of cost-cutting measures. Currently housing council safeguarding staff, the offices are set to be vacated this month.
A statement included with the application emphasised the staffing demands of the school: "Given the special needs of the pupils, as well as their age, Broadmeadow Special School is staff heavy. This clearly has an effect on access and parking provision required, although its current near city centre location makes it relatively easy for staff (and parents) to utilise public transport. Any alternative site to be considered had to bear this in mind and local public transport links to Priory Green are very good."
Pupils typically arrive by minibus or taxi, with occasional private cars, necessitating a drop-off area with good access and egress at peak times. The current system is described as a "well-oiled machine," with the last minibus leaving within 15 minutes of the final bell.
