Duo of school starts for West Yorkshire
Work has started on the £52m overhaul of Ilkley Grammar School, while Woodley School’s relocation and expansion to Almondbury has also commenced.
The Department for Education gave the green light to the Ilkley project in May, appointing Bowmer + Kirkland to replace 97,000 sq ft of sports and teaching blocks with net zero carbon buildings, which will include a pool, games area, and sports hall.
Designed by Bond Bryan Architects, the project is being funded through the Government’s School Rebuilding Programme.
Funding was secured in 2022 and although no completion date has been set, phased building schedules will allow use of the existing sports hall until the new one has been constructed.
Credit: Kirklees Council
Meanwhile, preparatory works are underway at the new Fernside Avenue site in Almondbury, Huddersfield, which will become home to Woodley School and College.
The purpose-built school will provide around 180 places to autistic children aged from five to 19, having relocated from its Dog Kenner Bank site due to limitations that prevented expansion of the campus.
Designed by David M Schwarz Architects and with landscaping by Ares, the project is being carried out by Kirklees Council.
Work began to clear the new site in May, with a former school, sports centre, and swimming pool demolished to make way for the new building.
Cllr Jane Rylah, Kirklees cabinet member for education, said: “Woodley School delivers excellent education and support, and this new purpose-built facility will allow us to extend that offer to even more children and young people.
“The new school will provide a tailored environment where pupils can thrive and reach their full potential.”
