New High School for Ealing is a Step Closer

Building work on the site in Greenford could start in 2013

Ealing’s first new secondary school in more than 10 years is a step closer, after the council agreed to buy land in the North of the borough.

GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) currently own the site at Oldfield Lane, Greenford and negotiations with the company began last year.

The large size, good transport links and location saw it emerge as the council’s preferred site for a new school.

After public consultation and a competition to determine who will run the school, building work could begin in 2013, subject to the approval of the planning authority.

Until any work begins, the council is keen to encourage public access to the playing fields currently available at the site. Discussions are underway with the London Playing Fields Foundation, the managers of the adjacent sports ground, to

look after the GSK sports fields and ensure maximum public access – both before and after the school is built.

The new school is a key component of Ealing’s £300 million Building Schools for the Future programme, which aims to transform secondary and special schools across the borough.

As well as the new school, 14 secondary and special schools will be rebuilt or refurbished under the programme.

June 11, 2009