Hammersmith Academy Takes Step Forwards

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First phase of building work expected to start soon  

Work is expected to begin on the new Hammersmith Academy around the end of May, the Hammersmith Academy Trust say.

In the first phase of the building work, Stamford House, which currently stands on the Melina Road site in W12, and is a former young offenders' institute, is to be demolished.

The Trust say the demolition work will be completed “as quickly as possible” by contractor Lancebox Ltd.

“Lancebox will be ensuring that local residents are kept fully informed of progress and will have a point of contact for any difficulties that arise during the duration of their contract,” the Trust say.

Following the demolition work, building work on the school is expected to start in September. The Trust have reassured those living nearby that they will be put in contact with the building workers in case any problems should arise:

“The contractor, when appointed, will keep local residents informed on progress and it is anticipated that a regular newsletter will be published by them so everybody can be kept up to date with the project on site. Contact numbers for any difficulties will be provided,” the Trust say.

Working hours will be strictly controlled and hours for noisy working will be restricted to Monday to Friday 8.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m. and, on occasion, Saturday 8.00 a.m. to 1.00 p.m. Noisy working outside these hours will not be permitted.

The Trust say they appreciate that a building site in the middle of a residential area can be disruptive: “This one will be managed as sensitively as possible as we seek to achieve the end target which is an important new and highly innovative school for the local residents of Hammersmith & Fulham,” they say.

The Hammersmith Academy will be a neighbourhood school for children of all abilities and will specialise in creative and digital media and information technology. It will cater for around 800 students aged between 11-18 years.

Following public consultation, especially with local residents, planning permission for the Academy was granted on the 4th of March 2009.

The sponsors have now begun their search for a school Head and are hoping to make an appointment during the summer for an April 2010 start.

The Academy is due to open in September 2011 with its first intake of 120 Year 7 and 100 Year 12 students. It is envisaged that the school will be operating at full capacity by 2016, when it will cater for 780 students, including a Sixth Form of 180 students.

 

8 May 2009