Tettenhall College, one of the region’s leading independent schools, is investing more than £3 million in a major redevelopment.
The plans, which will benefit pupils, staff and the wider community, will include outstanding new sports facilities, renovation work of historic buildings, upgraded boarding facilities and additional parking provision.
Headmaster David Williams said the development would enhance the School’s environment, keeping the blend of traditional and contemporary, while widening opportunities for pupils.
“We are very proud to offer a unique environment with historic buildings alongside modern facilities,” said Mr Williams. “We will be undertaking some renovation and development work to upgrade and enhance existing buildings and create new facilities, outlining our commitment to our status as an independent school.”
“It is a very exciting time for Tettenhall College – we are expanding as a school and investing in our future, ensuring our growing number of pupils continue to have a first class educational experience.”
The School recently revamped its reception, the first phase of redevelopment. Work is currently underway on the swimming pool, including contemporary seating and modernised features. The boys’ boarding house will have a major facelift incorporating 21stCentury facilities and work will commence next year.
Sports will be given a boost with a new floodlit Astroturf pitch, to create a Centre of Excellence for Hockey within the Midlands area. Environmental impact has been considered and new energy efficient heating and lighting will be used where possible.
The ambitious plans for the grounds also include a new tennis and netball area, a multi-use games area, a high ropes facility and a designated mountain bike trail to compliment the recently developed ‘Forest School’ area.
The School’s oldest building, The Towers, is one of the city’s few Grade II* listed buildings and sympathetic restoration and modernisation will be undertaken. The ‘Towers’, which gave the building its name, were added in 1866 by eccentric owner and inventor Colonel Thomas Thorneycroft, who is alleged to have pushed his butler off the top to test his flying machines.
He made many structural additions to the building, originally a country house and coaching inn, including a great hall complete with stage and a theatre now used by pupils for their high-quality dramatic and musical productions. Tettenhall College purchased The Towers in 1942.
Simon Maddox, a Governor and Old Tettenhallian (former pupil of the school), has been a prime mover in developing the plans in his capacity as Chair of the Planning and Estates Committee.
He said: “The College has been at the centre of the community in Tettenhall for over 150 years and the proposed improvements will ensure it remains one of the leading independent schools in the Midlands, with facilities and standards of education to rival the top schools in the country.”
http://www.expressandstar.com/news/2014/09/15/3m-revamp-for-historic-wolverhampton-school/
Categories: Whole School
