THE UTC Warrington building was unable to reopen for the start of the new term this week after being closed due to safety concerns over cladding.
A survey before the summer break identified issues with the external cladding caused by water ingress, raising safety concerns over the security of the panel fixings.
The building, which cost £10m and first opened in 2016, had to have unsafe cladding removed in 2018 following safety concerns in the wake of the Grenfell Tower disaster, which claimed the lives of 71 people.
A spokesperson for the UTC Warrington said: “A building survey conducted before the summer break identified issues with the UTC building’s external cladding, specifically water ingress affecting the security of the panel fixings. As a precaution, the building was closed to allow for further investigation and planning of necessary repairs. As work over the summer progressed, it became clear the building needs to remain closed while we continue to make the building safe.
“In response, our teams have worked swiftly to put high-quality alternative arrangements in place to ensure students can begin the term smoothly and safely. From the start of the term, our students are based at two excellent local venues: Warrington YouthZone and Warrington Wolves Stadium. We’re very grateful for their support and help as we navigate these changes.
“We’ll be keeping our families updated and in the meantime, staff are ensuring our students feel supported and settled, ready to learn for the new academic year ahead.”
UTC Warrington joined Aldridge Education in April 2025 and has been working with the Department for Education and a range of organisations and experts to resolve the issue of water ingress that has been a challenge over a number of years.
4 Comments
Can WBC get anything right !
WBC was/is certainly not the only LA with faulty Grenfell type (ACM) cladding. It’s a national and international problem, Australia had/has it. It will take years to remedy.
Nothing to do with WBC – was built by Department for education directly. As an academy, the matter is to be resolved between Academy trust and Department for education.
But sure, let’s blame WBC for a private building that’s nothing to do with them.
A ghastly looking building, typical ‘look what I can do!’ architecture.
If the design of a building is meant to reflect its purpose, it comes over as organised chaos and not a place of education.