Green-light for £400,000 roadworks signals arrival of Leeds free school

Leeds City Council officers have just signed off a major package of roadworks worth £400,000, all of which must be completed before the new building on Black Bull Street can open. The money will all come from contributions from the developer.

The works include pedestrian and cycle access to the new school site, a Toucan crossing on Black Bull Street next to the pupil entrance, speed reduction on Black Bull Street and a surface water ‘outfall pipe’ to connect to a highway drain in Black Bull Street.

A new report just approved by the council’s senior highways and transport officer Gary Bartlett says: “The total cost of the highway works and staff fees are fully developer funded.

“The works are funded through the Education Funding Agency that set strict criteria for the funding. All works must be related to the school project.

“The works need to be completed before the development is able to open which is scheduled for September 2016.”

The Ruth Gorse Academy, a high school for 1580 pupils with 150 staff, forms part of the city’s wider South Bank regeneration area vision.