CONTACTFuture Academies and London Square welcome today's decision by the Greater London Authority to approve plans for a landmark regeneration project that will secure the long-term future of Phoenix Academy, a coeducational secondary school and sixth form, while delivering new homes in White City, Hammersmith.
The approval follows the Mayor of London's call-in of the application and marks a major milestone for a project designed to address two of London's most pressing challenges: providing high-quality educational facilities without reliance on public subsidy and delivering new homes.
The scheme will provide a £42 million transformational investment in the Phoenix Academy, funding modern new educational facilities to support current and future generations of pupils. These will include new teaching and learning spaces, improved facilities for students and staff, and enhanced community-accessible sports and performance spaces.
As well as creating a sustainable funding solution for the school's transformation, the development will deliver 307 new homes and prioritises the highest affordable housing need in the borough – family friendly social rented homes. The scheme provides 90 brand new social rent homes (37%) including 36 3-bed and 20 4-bed homes.
Lawrence Foley, Chief Executive of Future Academies, said: "Today's decision is a hugely significant moment for Phoenix Academy, its pupils, staff and the wider community. For many years, we have been seeking a way to provide facilities that match the outstanding achievements of our students and teachers. This approval creates that opportunity. This scheme is about much more than new buildings. It is about providing young people with the environment, facilities and opportunities they deserve to fulfil their potential. Just as importantly it will help families stay, and succeed, in the borough. We are grateful to the GLA for recognising the importance of securing the future of one of West London's educational success stories while helping address London's housing challenge."
Jo McDonagh, Managing Director, North, London Square, added: "This approval reflects six years of collaboration between Future Academies, London Square, local stakeholders and partners to develop a scheme that delivers significant public benefits. As a dedicated London developer, we pride ourselves in being able to unlock challenging sites, where others might walk away. We are very proud that this scheme can now help deliver the necessary £42 million required to rebuild the school and also provide significant opportunities to the wider community. We look forward to continuing our work with Future Academies, the GLA, Hammersmith & Fulham Council and local residents to ensure the project delivers lasting benefits for White City and for future generations."
Over the course of the last decade, the Phoenix Academy has gone from Special Measures to the top 2% of schools in the country, ranking Ofsted Outstanding in every category. However, the schools’ facilities are ageing – with several 1950s buildings at the end of their life and a significant backlog of critical maintenance issues.
Alongside new housing the scheme will deliver:
- 26 modern classrooms
- A new sports hall. drama hall, assembly hall and dining hall
- A library and sixth form centre
- Outdoor spaces including gardens, a courtyard and roof terrace
- Sports and drama facilities also available to the community,
As the project moves towards delivery, the partners will continue working closely with Hammersmith & Fulham Council, local residents, pupils, parents and community organisations to minimise disruption, maximise opportunities and ensure the scheme delivers long-term value for the area.
This includes expanding opportunities for young people throughout delivery, including pupil engagement, skills initiatives and pathways into employment, helping ensure the project creates benefits that extend well beyond the site boundary.
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