Birmingham City Council has given the green light for a major £747,000 renovation project at a local primary school, aiming to resolve serious structural and environmental concerns that threatened the building's future.
Addressing Critical Structural Issues
The council confirmed that structural works and window replacements are urgently needed at Story Wood Primary School in Kingstanding to prevent the building from sustaining permanent damage. This decision comes after a detailed survey identified the root causes of multiple problems plaguing the school.
The investigation reportedly found significant cracking in the internal walls of the main hall. Additionally, numerous single-glazed windows were found to be corroded, damaged, and covered in mould, which is a direct contributor to persistent damp issues throughout the building.
Drainage Failures and Flooding Risks
Beyond the walls and windows, the school faces considerable external challenges. The council highlighted various drainage issues around the school site that require immediate remedial repairs. A particularly acute problem is water ingress in the boiler house, which leads to repeated periods of flooding, creating an unsafe and unsuitable environment for pupils and staff.
The council considered continuing with temporary, ad-hoc repairs. However, a recently-published report concluded this was no longer a viable option due to the deteriorating condition of the walls, windows, and drainage systems.
Approval and Project Timeline
The project, with a total cost of £747,000, was formally approved this week by the cabinet member for children, young people and families. The approval covers the full business case and the contract award for the essential works.
Crucially, the project will be funded from a specific grant, meaning there will be no cost to the council's general fund. The report warned that failure to act could force the school to close and would likely incur costs far exceeding the value of the current project.
The council stated that the comprehensive works will enable the school to provide a suitable, safe, and dry space where children can learn, grow, and achieve their full potential. It is anticipated that work could begin before the end of the year, with a potential completion date set for February 2026.