Canopy-collapse school in Telford issues new design plan

The cause of the original canopy's collapse that left five workers injured is still being investigated

A Shropshire school where five men were injured when a canopy collapsed has issued a new design for the structure.

The original canopy collapsed in August while the men were working on the £35m Abraham Darby Sport and Learning Community academy in Telford.

Developers, Kier Moss, said consultation with parents, residents and local school had already begun.

Plans will be displayed next month, for four weeks, and then submitted to Telford and Wrekin Council.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE), which initially suspended all work on the site, is currently investigating the accident -

Work on the rest of the building was resumed in September, after the HSE gave the go-ahead.

The revised canopy is designed to complement the fact the academy is close to Ironbridge Gorge

Richard Collin, of Kier Moss, said the academy is sited at the gateway to Ironbridge Gorge, a World Heritage site, so "the design of the canopy needs to make a real statement."

"We have worked with the architects to deliberately chose materials that echo the style and history of the buildings in the gorge in honour of its importance," he said.

Display boards have been set up in Park Lane Community Centre, Madeley Parish Offices and Ironbridge Parish Offices. They will also be put up at the existing Abraham Darby Academy and Woodlands Primary School during half term.

Experts will be on hand to answer questions at all three venues and various times on 3 November.

The building was earmarked to open in January 2012, but will now be completed later in the year.