Plans have been submitted to Sandwell Council to demolish and replace the ageing George Betts Primary Academy in West End Avenue, Smethwick.
The Department for Education has outlined proposals for a new school building to be constructed alongside the existing one, allowing the current school to remain open during the build and minimising disruption for pupils and staff. Once the new building is complete, the older structure would be demolished.
The redesign includes new outdoor facilities and landscaping, with the addition of a much-needed drop-off area to improve traffic flow, which the school currently lacks. The car park will also be reconfigured and expanded to better accommodate parents and staff.
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The new, more compact school building would create additional outdoor space for the 420 pupils. Planned features include a dedicated play area for younger children, a reading garden, and a repositioned netball court situated where the old school building currently stands. Over 100 new trees are to be planted to enhance the environment.
Supporting documents submitted with the application describe the current buildings as imposing a financial burden due to ongoing maintenance needs and being unsuitable for modern educational requirements. The proposed new facility is intended to be a contemporary, high-quality learning environment that enhances the school’s presence on West End Avenue while complementing the surrounding area and respecting neighbouring properties.
The development aims to provide accessible, flexible, and modern teaching spaces with comprehensive ancillary facilities to support both pupils and staff effectively. Furthermore, the new school would be designed as a low-carbon, climate-resilient development striving to achieve net zero carbon emissions during operation, contributing to environmental sustainability.
The application emphasises that the new build will reduce congestion on West End Avenue and deliver substantial public benefits, including improved teaching and recreational spaces, enhanced accessibility, and significantly better environmental and operational performance.
The redevelopment is described as a meaningful and lasting investment in the local community’s social infrastructure, with the replacement of the existing poor-condition buildings identified as the only practical long-term solution. The plan maintains current pupil numbers and retains the school’s lawful use, aiming to modernise an important community facility in a sustainable location.
If approved by Sandwell Council, construction work is expected to begin in late 2026, with the new school ready for occupation by winter 2027. Demolition of the old buildings would follow after the new facility is operational.