Preliminary work on the planned new Emmbrook school sixth form block is set to begin after funds were approved by Wokingham borough council’s executive.
Almost 2,000 people had signed a petition calling on Wokingham Borough Council to keep its promise to rebuild the sixth form building at Emmbrook School
In 2022, Wokingham Borough Council had asked the school to take additional pupils beyond its capacity. An agreement was made where Emmbrook would accommodate the extra pupils by converting part of the existing sixth form building into a dining hall extension. In return, the council would provide capital for a new sixth form building that was originally scheduled to open in September 2025.
Emmbrook School upheld its part of the agreement, however it had been claimed the council had not honoured its part of the deal. Despite confirming it had the budget, it was claimed it has not committed to rebuilding the sixth form unit.
Last week, Wokingham borough council’s executive committee approved funds of £240,000 for what has been described as project development and enabling works.
Executive member for children’s services, Cllr Prue Bray, said: “We can now start the preparatory works for the Emmbrook sixth form project ahead of time, to streamline processing and get going.
“I hope that gives people the confidence that it is really going to happen.”
She added the main bulk of the money will be allocated next February.
Leader of the council, Cllr Stephen Conway, added: “Crucially, it means that the extant planning permission will remain alive because the enabling works will have been undertaken.
“That means we don’t have to go through the complex time consuming processes of reapplying for planning permission.”
Petition organiser Sarah Thomas welcomed the news.
She told Wokingham Today: “After six months of wrangling with the council, and a petition with huge support from Wokingham families, Wokingham borough council is finally upholding its promise to Emmbrook School.
“It’s a shame it took so much and so long for it to do the right thing.”
