The new Kenilworth School development is now under construction which is due to open their doors for a new term at the beginning of September 2023.
The new Kenilworth School development is virtually complete and will open their doors for a new term at the beginning on 6 September 2023 for school pupils.
Part of the planning conditions for this facility were alterations to the existing highway to allow accesses into the school site, controlled crossing facilities and speed reducing features for the purpose of providing a safe environment for both those using the school site, accessing properties in the area, and travelling through.
The S278 works will primarily focus upon completing the areas immediately in front of the school first. This will leave certain areas to be completed during the start of the autumn term.
Highway construction progress
The highway contractor appointed by WCC are CR Reynolds.
Scheme remains on track for completion in Autumn 2023.
The contractor’s working hours have currently reverted to the core contractor’s hours 7am to 5pm Monday to Friday. Certain activities restricted to after 8am to minimise disruption to residents. The contractor had increased his hours of working at the weekends to ensure that the work on Glasshouse Lane is completed in time for the school opening.
The permanent traffic signals for pedestrian and cyclist crossings on Glasshouse Lane will be switched on in time for the school opening. Temporary speed restrictions will be introduced until the permanent street lighting is complete and the permanent speed restrictions are in place.
The speed cushions and speed limit changes are not expected to be introduced until week commencing 18 September.
Completed works to date
- Footpath/cycle path works on both sides of Glasshouse Lane.
- Traffic signals ducting and chambers on both sides of Glasshouse Lane.
- Site clearance on the east side of Glasshouse Lane.
- Excavation, kerb laying and carriageway foundations on widened section of Glasshouse Lane.
- Drainage works on Glasshouse Lane.
- Fencing on Glasshouse Lane.
- Carriageway surfacing and road markings on Glasshouse Lane.
- Toucan crossing pedestrian signals on Glasshouse Lane.
Planned works
Glasshouse Lane
- Miller Homes installation of a new foul sewer continuing in Chatsworth Grove.
- Speed cushions and raised pedestrian crossings: 18 - 22 September 2023.
Leyes Lane/Dencer Drive footpath/cycle path.
- Leyes Lane footpaths - 14 September - 6 October 2023.
- Dencer Drive toucan crossing - permanent works October, temporary controlled crossing to be installed for the school opening.
The completed footpath/cyclepath and carriageway widening on Glasshouse Lane (1)
The completed footpath/cyclepath and carriageway widening on Glasshouse Lane (2)
The completed entrance to the school and one of the new signal-controlled crossings (1)
The completed entrance to the school and one of the new signal-controlled crossings (2)
Current considerations
Our primary focus will always be working with all parties to facilitate the schools opening on time.
| Considerations | Next steps |
|---|---|
| Trial holes have identified several unforeseen service connections that will need to be lowered (utilities) | The construction depth of the new carriageway has been reduced by using a stronger foundation removing the need to divert services. |
| Traffic Regulation Orders (TRO) to be advertised and approved to complete some of the features set out in the planning application. For example, the speed cushions | TROs to be advertised from 19 August |
| Dencer Drive toucan crossing consultation is complete | A toucan crossing on Dencer Drive has been approved and will replace the proposed traffic signals |
| Part of the works will be completed post school opening | The school's project team has been engaged to promote joint communications with the staff, parents and students ready for the new term |
Adjacent Developments in the area
Miller Homes are currently developing the site north of the new school. The plan is to complete all section S278 works together.
Miller Homes have drainage and service connections to be undertaken in the area. These works are currently being undertaken within the S278 works.
Vistry Homes will be developing the site south of the new school.
The S278 works include a new roundabout on the Stanfield Grove junction with a new footpath/cycle path connecting to the school’s footpath/cycle paths.
These works will commence after the School S278 works are complete and are planned for completion Spring 2024.
Communications
Programme updates can be found on the WCC S278 pages
Regular meetings are held with the school’s project team, the schools appointed consultants, and designers to discuss contract progress, design changes and communications.
We apologise for any inconvenience the works may cause and want to thank you, for your on-going continued support during the construction period.
Graham Hemmings WCC Project Lead (WCC Design Services, S278 Team) - grahamhemmings@warwickshire.gov.uk