A date has been set for the demolition of the former Almondbury Community School as plans to build a new special school in its place move forward.
All of the buildings that made up the old school are to be demolished including sports facilities, a swimming pool and pre-school, with this expected to begin on 7 October, according to a notice.
Once complete, the site will be the new home of Woodley School and College which caters for students up to the age of 19 who have complex autism, and is currently located at Lowerhouses.
An application has been submitted which will determine whether previous approval is needed before the buildings can be demolished, with a decision on this due within days.
Setting out the reasons for the demolition, a supporting document states: “Kirklees Council has a requirement to deliver a new build SEND [special educational needs and disabilities] school for children and young people with complex autism.
“The existing 1960s secondary school building, swimming pool and nursery cannot be repurposed for use by a special educational needs school.
“The existing sports centre, built in the 2000s is not fit for use for children and young people with complex autism. The four buildings and structures will therefore be demolished to make way for the new SEND school building(s) required on this site.”
Proposals for the new school will be brought forward in a planning application.
The document goes on to outline demolition methods and considerations and states that asbestos is present within the former school, swimming pool and nursery. It continues by saying that the presence of Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete “cannot be ruled out” in the main school building.
Speaking of the importance of growing Kirklees’ SEND provision, the council’s former Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Cllr Viv Kendrick, said: “The expansion of Woodley is an exciting development. It will enhance support for local children, both now and in the future, and is just one way that the council is developing SEND provision throughout Kirklees.
“The number of places will increase gradually, leading up to the school moving to its new and better facility – the building of which will be another fantastic step forward.
“We want all children and young people in Kirklees, especially those who need our help the most, to enjoy the best possible start in life.”
Woodley is not the only Kirklees special school due to relocate as the Joseph Norton Academy is going to be rebuilt in Deighton.
