Plans have been submitted to redevelop Phoenix Academy in West London, proposing the construction of over 300 new homes alongside a significant refurbishment of the school. If approved by Hammersmith and Fulham Council, the redevelopment will also include a new sports hall, library, and music studios, with an estimated total investment of £40 million.
Future Academies, the Trust that operates Phoenix Academy, aims to upgrade the facilities to address a long-standing maintenance backlog. The school, rated as ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted, has faced increasing challenges to maintain its premises, which consist of buildings constructed between the 1950s and 2010s. The Trust has indicated that without external funding, it cannot address the significant historical issues related to maintenance and building conditions.
In planning documents, Future Academies noted that it has unsuccessfully sought public funding from sources, including the Department for Education and the local council. Previous proposals for redevelopment were shelved, leading the Trust to partner with developer London Square for this latest initiative. The proposed residential buildings would replace outdated and underused structures in the school’s western section.
The redevelopment plan includes four education blocks, each up to four storeys high, alongside six residential buildings that could reach heights of eight storeys. Of the planned 307 homes, 90 will be designated as affordable, all set for social rent.
Despite the potential benefits of the project, local residents have voiced significant concerns about the scale of the development. The Wormholt Residents Association conducted a survey earlier this year, revealing that 66 percent of respondents opposed further development in the area, while 68 percent specifically rejected the proposals for Phoenix Academy. Key concerns highlighted include the impact on local resources, potential disruption during construction, and a reduction in community space.
Julian Vallis, Treasurer of the Wormholt Residents Association, emphasized that residents do not necessarily oppose development but are concerned about its size. Vallis noted, “The general consensus from residents is not that the development should be outright stopped but that the development is just too big. Residents would be happy if the development was more in line with the local conservation area’s character.”
The association suggested that reducing the height of proposed buildings to approximately three storeys would be more appropriate, aligning with the existing school structure. Vallis further clarified that residents are pragmatic, wanting the development to be sensitive to the local area rather than exhibiting a typical “Not In My Back Yard” (NIMBY) reaction.
While Future Academies did not respond to requests for comment at the time of publication, a spokesperson previously stated their commitment to improving the Phoenix Academy site. They highlighted the goal of delivering enhanced teaching and recreational spaces for students, ensuring that the school’s facilities reflect the quality of education it provides.
The plans for Phoenix Academy are similar to those approved for Avonmore Primary School and Nursery last year, where existing structures are set to be replaced with a new educational facility and residential units. This initiative is part of the Community Schools Programme, designed to utilize funds from housing developments to revitalize primary schools within the borough.
As discussions continue around the proposed redevelopment, the balance between educational improvements and community concerns remains a critical focus for both the Trust and local residents.
