Welcome
This website provides information on proposals for the development of a new, state-of-the-art school for Blaydon West Primary School on land at Shibdon Road in Blaydon.
Blaydon West Primary School, located at Blaydon Bank, has been identified as requiring redevelopment, with the existing site not fit for purpose and in poor condition. The existing school is made up of two grade II listed buildings consisting of the Infant School and Junior School.
Our plans have Government approval in principle and will be built on behalf of the Department for Education, but we would like to obtain your views on the development proposals prior to submitting our planning application for the scheme. This website provides information on the current plans for the redevelopment of the school, and includes a short survey where you can ask any questions you may have and give us your feedback.
Site Location Plan
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The Proposed Development
A new single story school building is proposed for Blaydon West Primary School on land at Shibdon Road in Blaydon.
The internal footprint measures approximately 1450 sqm, consisting of a main entrance / reception area and staff rooms, kitchen, W/C, storage and plant rooms, assembly hall, library, as well as infant and junior classrooms.
Colour Masterplan
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The proposed footprint is being developed in accordance with the latest government standards for primary education facilities, and is influenced in this case by the shape and orientation of the site. The elevational treatment of the new build has been sympathetically designed with predominantly a timber effect façade facing onto Shibdon Road. Proposed materials will comprise of buff brick and oak effect stone fibre cladding and will be developed with a flat roof to help reduce the mass of the building and reduce its visual dominance. The new build development is also proposed to sit behind a wide strip of mature planting that will help screen the site from Shibdon Road.
The development will be brought forward by national building contractor Tilbury Douglas, and provide a high-quality learning environment to support Blaydon West Primary School's aim to provide a welcoming, safe and secure environment for both pupils and the whole community.
Proposed Elevations
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CGI of Proposed Development
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Enhanced Outdoor Play and Facilities
An improved soft outdoor play area and grassed football playing field (9v9 up to U11/12 level) are proposed, alongside a Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA) and hard outdoor play area.
The proposed football playing field will be purpose designed, with age appropriate goals and regularly maintained by the school during term times. The proposed football pitch will be an upgrade to the existing playing field. Blaydon Community Football Club have a short-term lease of the neighbouring pitches, and currently maintain / cut the grass of the wider site.
CGIs of Proposed Development
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Access and Safety
18no. car parking spaces are proposed on site (including 1no. disabled space) for staff parking and 2no. minibus parking spaces. In addition, cycle parking is provided for visitors, staff and pupils. EV charging points will also be provided in accordance with Gateshead Council standards.
The proposed development will be served via a new vehicular and pedestrian access off Shibdon Road. The proposed works seek to provide a safe and functional access arrangement for the school development, whilst improving pedestrian connectivity and supporting sustainable travel to and from the site. Such site access proposals are based upon previously developed highway layouts and will be refined through ongoing consultation with the Council’s highways department.
CGI of Proposed Development
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A Sustainable Future
A fabric first approach has been adopted as part of the design process to provide the most economical levels of building performance and energy consumption. Ensuring air-tight, well insulated buildings with good control measures are among the most important considerations. Others include, optimising the availability of natural ventilation, natural daylight, and the use of passive solar heating. The school will be Net Zero in use.
Renewable technologies are being considered across the site to achieve and where possible, better, the targets outlined within the relevant legislation.
These include:
• Photovoltaic Panels (approximately 350m2)
• Ground Source Heat Pump
• Natural Ventilation Units in Classrooms
The Benefits
The provision of a new, state-of-the-art education facility
An attractive learning environment with high-quality, modern teaching facilities, and excellent sports facilities
The provision of new replacement sports pitches and facilities for the wider community
A building design which responds to the site’s context and connects well with the rest of Blaydon
A sensitively-managed construction process designed to minimise impacts on local residents and education delivery.
Have Your Say and Next Steps
We are keen to hear your views on the proposals for Blaydon West Primary School. Please complete the feedback form below in order to have your say.
This consultation will close on 31 May 2026.
Please contact Andrew Suter at Tilbury Douglas via
andrew.suter@tilburydouglas.co.uk if you have any other queries.
We intend to submit a planning application for the redevelopment of the school shortly, and the proposals will then be subject to a further round of consultation by Gateshead Council.
It is anticipated that construction will begin in 2027.