Work has officially started on a major project to create new college facilities for students at Woodlands Meed.
The contractor, ISG, started on site this morning (Monday, 22 November 2021), where they will be preparing for site setup ahead of the construction works.
West Sussex County Council is replacing the existing college with brand new facilities to benefit young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities at the Burgess Hill college.
The new facilities will provide additional space for college students, will be more suitable for pupils with mobility issues, and have many new features including:
12 classrooms and specialist areas for design and technology, music, science and food technology
more overall space
high-quality sporting facilities including all-weather pitches, a two-court sports hall, and accessible changing facilities
a new hydrotherapy pool
a host of new outside learning and play areas including classrooms, an outside gym, planting areas, and courtyard and amphitheatre space
Meet all the required school building regulations (known as BB104)
Nigel Jupp, Cabinet Member for Learning and Skills, said: “Everybody at the County Council is extremely pleased to see the work to rebuild the college now officially begin. This is an extremely exciting moment for everyone connected with Woodlands Meed and I thank parents, pupils, governors and staff for their patience as outstanding matters were being resolved.
“ISG has been chosen to build the new facilities because of their extensive experience and expertise in creating high quality special schools. We are very happy to be working with them and are all eager to see the new college take shape.”
Woodlands Meed is located next to Birchwood Grove Primary School and we are grateful to the school for allowing access for contractor vehicles during the build. The project has been carefully planned to limit the disruption on pupils at both schools.
An overall budget of £21.6million has been allocated to the project. The building is scheduled to be completed by Spring 2023, with the external works finished by Autumn 2023.
Keep up to date on our Woodlands Meed College project webpage.
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