Stamford Park Primary School, a Grade II-listed building located in Hale, Greater Manchester, faces a severe need for repairs. Built in 1905, the historic institution now requires between £3 million and £4 million to address its deteriorating condition. The school's age has led to "widespread degradation that is difficult to manage," resulting in daily maintenance challenges such as a leaking roof and peeling walls.
Efforts to preserve Stamford Park Primary have been ongoing for years. The school received its listed status from Historic England in February 2020, highlighting its architectural and historical significance. Despite local repair efforts, the scale of necessary work remains daunting. School governor James Phillips, a structural engineer, described the task ahead as "massive."
The Department for Education (DfE) has shown a commitment to addressing such issues across the nation. With plans to increase investment to £2.1 billion, the DfE aims to "fix the foundations for staff and pupils" and safeguard critical educational priorities.
"Raising school standards is at the heart of this government's mission to improve children's life chances through our Plan for Change, and high quality and sustainable buildings are a key part of that."
— Department for Education (DfE) spokesperson
Trafford Council has been actively collaborating with Stamford Park Primary School to seek solutions. Headteacher Sarah Price has been dedicated to maintaining the school's heritage while ensuring it remains a safe learning environment. However, the financial burden is significant, with the school's annual budget of approximately £2.6 million spread across maintaining 39 schools.
Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has offered support by convening "relevant players" to explore potential solutions. This collaborative effort aims to secure both the immediate repairs and long-term sustainability of the building.
