Fulham school wins approval for major makeover

By Ben Lynch, Local Democracy Reporter

A school in Fulham is to undergo a major revamp with three ‘outdated’ buildings demolished and replaced with a new sports and dining block.

The proposal for Fulham Cross Academy, an 800-student secondary school in Kingwood Road, specialising in Science Technology Engineering and Maths (STEM), also includes extensive planting and landscaping works, plus some refurbishment of existing buildings.

Hammersmith and Fulham councillors earlier this week unanimously approved the plans, with committee members endorsing the need to upgrade the site and praising some of the climate initiatives.

Under the scheme, three of the site’s older buildings, including sports and dining blocks which are deemed to be past their ‘useful life’ and unable to be repurposed to meet net zero requirements, will be demolished.

Much of this space will then be used for improved landscaping, intended to deliver a better experience for students attending the school. A new two-storey building will also be constructed, featuring sports facilities such as a fitness suite and changing rooms, plus a dining hall.

Parts of the school will be available for community use, with a number of local sports clubs expected to benefit. The application was filed by Tilbury Douglas Construction on behalf of the Department for Education.

The planning brief noted there would be no adverse impact on the Grade-II listed Kingwood Road School and former Childerley Street School buildings, which are still located on the site.

The loss of two trees was also raised as a negative, though the proposal does include an increase in biodiversity, with 41 trees to be planted.

The project’s agent, Matthew Blythin, told councillors at the planning meeting: “The school’s existing provision is outdated and beyond its useful life, falling significantly below the standards that any school should reasonably expect. In contrast, these proposals will deliver high quality facilities that the pupils need and deserve.”

He said the existing sports and dining provision will remain operational while the new building is completed, before demolition begins.

There was little push-back by councillors during the meeting, with councillors Alex Karmel, Patrick Walsh and Wesley Harcourt all speaking favourably of the plans.

Tilbury Douglas Construction has been approached for comment.

New look: Hammersmith and Fulham councillors unanimously backed the proposed works to Fulham Cross Academy (Picture: Noviun)