Plans Submitted for New School on Former Market Site
Plans have been revealed for a new school on a former fruit and vegetable market site in Old Swan, Liverpool, to finally move pupils out of a dilapidated building. The existing St Anne (Stanley) Primary School, which opened in 1915, has been deemed “totally unsuitable” for primary school children due to its poor condition.
In October 2021, a condition survey declared the existing school building structurally unsound. To make it safe, 543 internal structural props were installed, funded by the Diocese of Liverpool. These props were due to expire in 2024. The school had hoped a new building would be open by the start of this year.
Site Transfer and Planning Application
Liverpool City Council declared the former market site on Prescot Road surplus to requirements in August 2022. In December 2023, the council signed off on transferring a portion of the site to the trustees of St Anne (Stanley) Primary School for a new building. The site was transferred between the council and the Diocese of Liverpool for no fee, known as nil consideration.
A formal planning application has now been submitted to the city council, with designs set out by Arcadis. The design and access statement says the new development “aims to provide a modern, purpose-built facility to replace the existing school building, which is currently in poor condition and no longer meets the requirements of staff and pupils.”
Modern Facilities for 420 Pupils
The new building will provide a modern, safe, and inclusive environment for up to 420 pupils, including nursery provision. The design will feature well-equipped classrooms and specialist spaces to support a broad and balanced curriculum, including dedicated areas for ICT, a practical room, and special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) provision.
Flexible multi-purpose halls will be included for assemblies, performances, and community events, ensuring the school can continue to serve as a hub for families and organisations. The statement added that “limited space, poor energy efficiency, and ongoing maintenance problems further impact both the daily operation and long-term sustainability of the school.”
Background and Challenges
The former market land incurred annual holding costs including security and maintenance and did not produce a revenue receipt for Liverpool Council to offset these outgoings. Various approaches were considered to allow the school to continue education, either within the existing building or on a newly identified site in temporary classrooms. The new school is expected to resolve these long-standing issues.
