Planning approved for Carpenters Primary School replacement scheme and 120 new homes
Planning application approved for replacement school, 120 new apartments and community accessible sports pitches.
The London Borough of Newham’s Strategic Development Committee recently unanimously approved plans for an innovative project involving a replacement school, 120 new apartments, c100sqm of commercial space and new community accessible sports pitches on the Carpenters Primary School site. Populo Living and our school replacement project makes the best use of land on the site, creating much needed new facilities and homes for Newham.
The current school, made up of a single storey 1970s building and multiple later additions, sits on a generous 1.1 hectare site. Our design will create a replacement, fully-inclusive primary school capable of transitioning from a two-form to three-form intake to meet demand as Carpenters Estate and Bridgewater Triangle are delivered (collectively bringing nearly 3,000 homes to Newham).
The school will be flanked by a new residential building, with rental income from the homes supporting the delivery of the replacement school and associated community facilities, making the new school cost-effective for both the Borough of Newham and the Department for Education.
The new two-form entry school and nursery will retain a friendly, local-school feel, with the additional apartments facing Warton Road located on a part of the site currently used as a car park. Root and Erect Architecture, the team behind the award-winning Tumbling Bay Playground at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, designed the external landscaping, with the plans including a 25x35m multi-use games area (MUGA) and a separate Futsal pitch.
Diane Barrick, Headteacher Carpenters Primary School said: “Following 11 years of dedicated planning, we are absolutely delighted that the committee has approved the plans to rebuild our school. In partnership with Populo Living, The Blue Iris Partnership and Maccreanor Lavington Architects we have designed a forward-thinking school to be fully inclusive for all children. This approval marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter, allowing us to replace our current outdated facilities with a visionary ‘school of the future’ where every child can thrive.”
Beth Mogey, ML’s school project architect said: “Close collaboration with Carpenters Primary School has been central to shaping a design that reflects the school’s vision for the future. Supporting the school’s commitment to inclusivity, the proposals include dedicated Special Educational Needs provision, creating an enhanced learning environment for current and future pupils.
The scheme will strengthen the school’s civic presence within the neighbourhood through a distinctive new hall, enhanced community sports facilities, and a relocated main entrance on Carpenters Road. Together, these improvements will create a welcoming focal point for pupils, families, and the wider community.”
