Work starts on the ambitious transformation of school Sports Facilities for the benefit of the whole community
The ambitions Future Sport project will see £2.4M of investment in transforming the outdoor sports facilities at Queen Mary’s Grammar School in Walsall for the benefit of both its students and everyone in the wider community.
Queen Mary’s Grammar School has a long tradition of sporting excellence and boasts an already impressive range of sports and leisure facilities that are used widely both in school hours and at evenings and weekends, but the outdoor grass pitches and outfield were old and of a poor standard.
With this in mind, school leaders set about creating the Future Sports @ QMGS Community Legacy Project with the goal in mind to raise much needed funds to support a three-phase development of the outdoor spaces and associated buildings.
To reach the initial pledge goal to begin works of £1M, the school set about a programme of fundraising that has generated huge interest, and, crucially, huge investment. From in-school fundraisers and events to opportunities for individual giving and corporate investment, the school are delighted to announce that today marks the official reaching of the funding target allowing works to commence.
Phases One and Two are now underway and will see the opening of a state-of-the-art floodlit Artificial Grass Pitch (AGP) for use for year-round Hockey and Tennis that is set to be completed in January 2026, followed by a programme of sustainable drainage work and the cultivation of high-quality natural turf pitches for cricket and rugby. Both phases have been a partnership effort between the school and planning consultants Baily Garner and contractor Blakedown Sport and Play. All work has been planned to ensure that there is a biodiversity offset, with additional wilding of areas to the perimeter of the field.
Once completed the new facilities will provide access for thousands of people, as well as our school of 1400, creating a significant local asset. Local sports organisations that will specifically benefit include Walsall CC, Bloxwich CC, Bronze CC, Walsall TC, Beacon HC and Walsall RFC. The school’s bold vision for the facilities is to also see usage increase from local schools, charities and community groups – particularly those who serve disadvantaged communities.
Although a huge amount of money has been raised, the project does not stop here, with a final phase in development to deliver a high-quality refurbishment and extension of the pavilion adding changing rooms and improving the social facilities. The school are looking to raise a further £1.1M for this phase which is yet to start. Those interested in supporting the project can contact Minaxi Patel-Gill (alumni and fundraising development officer) via alumni@qmgs.merciantrust.org.uk . The school are particularly interested in donations and support in the following areas; individual donations; business sponsorship; contacts and publicity; other connections
Headmaster, Richard Langton, said, “I am delighted that 3 years of hard work is starting to become a reality. The campaign board and site team have worked incredibly hard to get to this point, overcoming many hurdles of planning and fundraising. We are trying to create a genuine sporting legacy for many generations of people to benefit from, within the school and amongst local sporting clubs”
Andrew Dickson, Chairman of Beacon Hockey Club, said, “With a near lifetime affinity to Queen Mary's Grammar School through my father as a teacher and myself as a pupil and Old Boy, it feels very fitting that Beacon Hockey Club is establishing a new home with this exciting state of the art pitch and facilities.”
Deborah Bannister, Parent and Walsall Campaign Chair, said, “It is so exciting that after 3 years of tireless work by the headmaster, the project board and those who have committed their time and money to support the Future Sport Project, that building work has now started on phases 1 and 2. Our vision is to give thousands of children, families and local groups access to first-class facilities in their local community, to open doors to opportunity and break down barriers. With strong progress already made, I would encourage anyone who is interested in contributing to the project – whether with time, fundraising ideas, connections or a donation – to get in touch with the school. It is a great opportunity to be involved in a fabulous project that really will transform access to sport in the local area.”
John Waters, Campaign Chairman, said, “I am delighted to see the start of construction of this exciting project which will provide a first class facility not just for the school but for the wider community in Walsall and beyond. The start of work is testament to the tremendous hard work, vision and endeavour of a number of people to whom we should be very grateful.”
Bal Bains, Parent, said, “I am thrilled that construction has begun on the upgraded community sports facilities in Walsall. These improvements will significantly broaden access to opportunities that support physical, mental, and emotional well-being—factors we know are increasingly crucial to the life chances of our community.
This milestone is a testament to the dedication of the Headmaster, his team, and the Future Sport campaign board. Thanks to their hard work, this project is now coming to fruition.
However, bringing this vision to completion requires ongoing support. If you are able to contribute, please consider making a donation. Together, we can build a lasting legacy for the town and create opportunities for the next generation of athletes and sports enthusiasts in Walsall.”