Hammersmith and Fulham Council's Cabinet has approved plans for a new primary school and 91 homes on the Avonmore Primary School site. The decision, made at a meeting on Monday, September 14, 2026, will see the appropriation of land from education to planning purposes to facilitate the development.
The project includes a new one-form entry primary school, designed to replace the existing outdated buildings. The existing Avonmore Primary School buildings are described as no longer fit for purpose
and a temporary post war structure, which has been supplemented with various ad-hoc module and prefabricated building additions and alterations over the years
. The report notes that large parts of the school building fabric have fallen into disrepair and have surpassed their life expectancy
. The school vacated these buildings in Spring 2025, and the site is currently vacant.
Alongside the school, 91 new homes will be constructed, with 45 of these designated as affordable housing, comprising 21 social rent units and 18 shared ownership properties. The remaining homes will be sold on the open market to help fund the development. Revenue from the sale of 46 private sale homes on the open market will be used towards the provision of the new school on the site.
Councillor Andrew Jones, Cabinet Member for the Economy, presented the report, highlighting the significant public benefits of the redevelopment. He stated that the project will provide a modern, sustainable, and inclusive learning environment for pupils, with improved facilities for those with special educational needs and disabilities. The new Avonmore Primary School will include enhanced SEND facilities throughout
and improved facilities for SEND pupils
. The new building will also feature specialist teaching space
and new play and educational facilities with forest school, playground, external play deck, and external learning decks
. The development also aims to address the borough's acute need for affordable housing.
The decision to appropriate the land is a crucial step in enabling the council to utilise its powers under the Housing and Planning Act 2016 to override any third-party rights that might impede the development. The project is expected to deliver a positive legacy for the local community, contributing to economic growth and providing much-needed housing and educational facilities.
The council's strategy includes clear contractual expectations on the construction contractor, in the 'Employer's Requirements' to ensure the contractor engages with neighbouring residents and stakeholders, in accordance with the best practice requirements.
Additionally, The Council's Construction Site Noise and Dust Pollution policy will mitigate against impact of the construction phase
and The contractor is required to work with residents around the site and organise work on site in close liaison with residents to mitigate disproportionate impact, especially during examination and revision times.
The long-term benefits include Local economic investment including work and training opportunities
and The social and economic benefit of sustainable homes will be enjoyed by residents not only in terms of low-cost energy but also their impact and carbon footprint in perpetuity
. The development also aims to assist with achieving the regeneration aspirations of the locality and the wider area, stimulating economic growth
.
The planning application for the Avonmore Primary School redevelopment was approved on November 5th, 2024, and the construction contractor was expected to commence on site in Summer 2026. The anticipated completion of the development is Autumn 2028. The report also mentions that the school vacated its old building in Spring 2025 for interim accommodation before construction commenced.
An adjustment to the budget has been made due to the uplift in construction cost inflation since the original tender submission in November 2024. The increase in costs will be fully met through the allocation of Right to Buy (RtB) funding, together with additional grant funding.
See the Public reports pack for more details.
