Blackpool SEND school expansion completes
Conlon Construction built the £7m expansion to Highfurlong School, which will provide additional teaching and therapy space for children with special educational needs and disabilities.
The Cassidy + Ashton-designed project was carried out across two phases. The first phase concerned the £4.8m two-storey extension to Highfurlong School, to be adjoined to the existing building via a covered walkway, which will double the school’s capacity to 180 pupils.
Proposed by Blackpool Council in August 2023, the now-complete extension will add a total of 16,400 sq ft to the Blackpool Old Road school, which was originally built in 2015.
The upgrades will supply specialist teaching rooms for subjects such as science, food, technology, and life skills.
Each classroom will have the capacity for up to 10 pupils and four teachers. As a result of the expansion, staffing numbers are expected to rise from 68 to 98.
Phase two saw the instalment of a £2m hydrotherapy suite, which features a deck-access pool, a projector, customisable lighting, a fibre optic art ceiling, and a hoist.
The hydrotherapy pool will also be available to non-students. Credit: via TWA Marketing
A ground floor café with a kitchen and dining room are also a part of the second phase plans.
Dominic Read-Garrett, associate architect at Cassidy + Ashton, said: “By collaborating closely with Conlon Construction on this project we have been able to create a space that truly supports the needs of students and staff.”
Jasmine Short, Highfurlong School headteacher, said: “Our vision was always to extend beyond the school itself as we aim to create a hub for the wider community.
“This includes welcoming former pupils and families and providing a space for socialising and collaboration.
“The hydrotherapy pool is an outstanding addition. With two pools now available at the school, we can significantly expand access to hydrotherapy for both pupils and the local community.”
Darren Lee, commercial director, Conlon Construction, added: “It is a tremendous pleasure to deliver the newly renovated Highfurlong School…to its enthusiastic community of pupils, teachers, and parents.
“This project highlights Conlon Construction’s strong track record in the education sector – from early years settings to universities – across the region.”
The project was financed by government funding for new school places and SEND. Blackpool Council contributed financially to the scheme.
Fantastic, the hydrotherapy pool looks really good – and an excellent resource for people with severe disabilities in the community as wel. Nice to see some investment in schools for students with physical disabilities as there are so many new ones popping up for Autism.
By Kathy