A £747,000 project to address serious structural concerns at Story Wood Primary School in Kingstanding, Birmingham, has been officially approved. The decision comes in response to issues including flooding, mould, and cracking walls that threaten the safety and functionality of the school building.
A detailed survey revealed significant problems such as cracks in the main hall’s internal walls and corrosion in several single-glazed windows, which have led to damp conditions. Additionally, drainage problems around the school and water ingress into the boiler house have caused periodic flooding.
Birmingham City Council emphasized that these structural and window replacement works are essential to prevent permanent damage to the school. After considering continued ad-hoc repairs, the council concluded that ongoing maintenance is no longer a viable option due to the severity of the issues.
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The approved project, funded entirely through a designated grant without impacting the general fund, aims to provide a safe, dry, and secure learning environment for the students. Officials stated that failure to carry out these repairs could potentially lead to school closure and significantly higher costs in the future.
The work is expected to begin later this year and is projected to be completed by February 2026, ensuring that the school can continue to support the growth and development of its pupils in a suitable environment.