Coventry’s new school is a step closer as officials admit they need more money

A new school in Coventry is a step closer as it prepares to open next year amid rising costs. Officials say the redevelopment of the former Woodlands School off Broad Lane in Tile Hill has taken a “step forward” – but had to ask for more money.

The scheme will bring together provision currently provided on two separate sites by Woodfield School, which was rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted earlier this year. A tender process to deliver the redevelopment has ended – but at the same time officials have admitted they need more funding, just weeks after the council admitted it needed to borrow more money to transform the old IKEA building.

Now a report on the project will go to Coventry City Council’s cabinet committee on May 14. The report, which officials say is expected to be approved, will call for an extra £1.6m to deliver the project, which would create a further 200 new. school places for SEND pupils.

Read more: ‘Beyond Joke’ pulls Coventry over yet another hotel arson attack

Read more: Beauty lovers say a bath “makes your skin feel out of this world” with the “deep cleansing” set

Officials made the announcement while explaining why they say they need the extra money. They say additional funds are needed because of “national inflationary pressures,” they say the cost of building materials has risen.

The announcement also blames other factors for the rising project bill. It said: “Other factors such as the complexity of the listed building design and refurbishment, survey costs and increased timescales associated with complex planning requirements also influenced the cost of the development.”

They say the cost of the capital refurbishment work has risen to £22.4m, requiring an additional £1.6m resource for the main contract. Total project costs are estimated to be around £26.7m, which includes project contingencies and additional project charges, funded from existing education funding, officials say.

Cabinet Member for Education and Skills, Councilor Dr Kindy Sandhu, said: “Creating additional SEND provision is a key priority for the council and this excellent scheme will help us achieve this. , so I believe it is essential that we maximize and invest in our educational assets for the benefit of children and young people and the local community.

“The completion of this project will provide an educational environment fit for the future, offering a full range of facilities, including student sport, with the capacity to grow.” The new school is expected to be open by September 2025.

Get daily headlines and breaking news delivered to you by email – it’s FREE