Developers will contribute £8 million to expand a primary school where pupil numbers will almost triple, but the council has identified a 'financial risk' due to the phasing of payments.
Expansion Details
A report to Wigan council's cabinet outlines plans for a permanent expansion of St John's CE Primary School, Mosley Common, Tyldesley. The enlarged school will see admission numbers grow from 22 to 60, effective from September 2027 or within three years of the decision, subject to planning permission and capital funding approval.
Earlier feasibility studies indicated the enlargement would add seven new classrooms, a new hall, an administrative block, a nursery, a Start Well Centre, and outdoor sports facilities.
Housing Development Context
The expansion is driven by the expected construction of more than 1,100 new homes in the Tyldesley area between 2026 and 2035. The combined site, comprising land north and south of the guided busway, is expected to yield around 1,143 homes. Based on Wigan council's pupil yield calculations, the development could generate approximately 34 pupils per year group.
Funding and Financial Risk
The council report states the expansion is to be funded primarily through developer contributions totaling £8,083,108. This includes £4,449,205 from the 'northern site' close to the guided busway, £3,383,902 from the 'southern site', and an additional £250,000 from a different planning application.
However, these payments are released only when specific housing development milestones are reached, such as a set number of occupied homes or completion of a phase. Since milestones occur later in the build-out, the council will need to forward fund the school expansion in advance, creating a 'financial risk'.
According to the report: 'If the full contributions are delayed, not triggered, or are lower than the final cost of the scheme, the council would be required to meet any shortfall. In these circumstances, some or all of the cost of the project may need to be funded by the council rather than recovered from the developer.'
Need for Expansion
St John's CE Primary School is located on the edge of the developments. The report warns that if no action is taken, projections suggest there will be insufficient primary school places in Tyldesley to meet demand. The council cabinet is expected to approve the plans at a meeting on Thursday, July 2.
