Work starts on £3m Kingfisher school extension

Seddon has started the refurbishment of a special educational needs school in Chadderton, Oldham, which is set for completion in November 2020.

The £3m project will see the construction of an extension, which will facilitate the addition of a hydrotherapy pool and a new nursery.

Seddon was appointed as lead contractor for the refurbishment, having been selected through the Procure North West Contractor Framework.

Plans for the extension were designed by Kier. Iceni is the planner.

Michael Unsworth, director of business at Kingfisher School, said: “As the only school for primary-aged children in Oldham with the most complex and severe learning needs, this work is absolutely vital for us to continue supporting as many young people and their families as possible.

“The new hydrotherapy pool is a highlight of this work and will be particularly important to help children maintain a range of joint and muscle movement, engaging in swimming when they are unable to access a local public pool.”

John Shannon, regional director of property services at Seddon, said: “This is a significant project for the people of Oldham. As the local population has grown, demand for places at the school has increased nearly 50 per cent in just over five years.

“The additional space and facilities that this refurbishment delivers will allow the exceptional team to continue offering the very best education and care to young people with additional needs in the local community, preventing them from having to travel further afield.”

The scheme was funded through a combination of council contributions and money raised through fundraising initiative ‘Big Splash’.  Additional contributions were provided by local philanthropist Sir Norman Stroller, Frank and Judith Rothwell and St James Place.