A £17,000 car park transformation is improving the experience of pupils who rely on specialist transport at Highbury School in Elland
Esh Construction has completed a car park transformation project at Highbury School in Elland, improving access and creating safer transport arrangements for pupils, staff and visitors.
The works, valued at almost £17,000, were funded through the YOR4Good Fund initiative linked to Esh's delivery of the Elland Access Package, which is being undertaken on behalf of Calderdale Council to create improved walking and cycling routes between Elland and West Vale. The Elland Access Package is funded by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority.
As a specialist SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) school, Highbury School relies on specialist transport services to support pupils travelling to and from site each day. The project has transformed the school's existing car park through resurfacing works, repairs to damaged areas, reconfigured parking arrangements and new line markings.
Debbie Sweet, Head Teacher at Highbury School, said: "This has been something the school has wanted to achieve for many years, but funding pressures meant it was difficult to prioritise.
"The difference the new car park has made is significant. Many of our pupils arrive by specialist transport and some are profoundly disabled or wheelchair users. These improvements make a real difference to their daily experience at school, while also enhancing safety and increasing parking capacity for staff and visitors."
Around 90 pupils arrive by specialist minibuses daily, with many travelling whilst remaining in their wheelchairs. The previous uneven surface and potholes often made journeys uncomfortable and created accessibility and safety challenges for pupils, staff and transport providers.
The upgraded car park now provides smoother access for vehicles, improved traffic management and a safer environment for pupils, staff and visitors, helping to improve the daily journey experience for some of the school's most vulnerable learners.
Megan Simpson, Social Value Manager at Esh Construction, said: "This project is a great example of how social value can create a lasting impact within local communities.
"Through our work on the Elland Access Package, we were able to provide additional investment that addresses a real need at Highbury School. The improvements will benefit pupils, staff, visitors and transport providers for many years to come, while helping to create a safer and more accessible environment for everyone using the site."
Councillor Darren Commons, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport at Calderdale Council, said: "As part of our wider investment in improving transport and connectivity across Elland and West Vale, it's fantastic to see additional benefits being delivered for the local community through Esh's social value commitments.
"The improvements at Highbury School were much needed and will make a huge difference. It's an excellent example of partnership working delivering added value at no extra cost to the public purse."
The Highbury School project forms part of Esh's commitment to delivering social and economic value alongside its construction activities, ensuring communities benefit beyond the core infrastructure works being delivered across the region.
