Preston firms delivering six-figure council building transformation

Efforts to turn a former Blackpool council building into a 4,000 sq ft centre for young people with special educational needs (SEN) are now underway.

The six-figure project, being delivered by architectural and planning firm Cassidy + Ashton and construction company Eric Wright Special Projects, will see the three-storey Westbury Lodge site partly demolished and remodelled to offer accommodation for nearby SEN providers.

Due for completion in April, the centre will accommodate up to 50 young people aged from 16 to 19 and include specialist facilities designed for those with learning difficulties and enhanced education needs.

Cassidy + Ashton’s chairman, Alistair Baines, said: “We’ve undertaken a number of SEN projects and are always proud to work on schemes of this type.

“The key to good design is creating a flexible and safe environment that facilitates outstanding learning opportunities, which build confidence and self esteem.”

Formerly a children’s home, the Westbury Lodge site was converted into office space but remained unoccupied for some time.

Stephen Knowles, the head of Eric Wright Special Projects, which is part of building firm Eric Wright Group, commented: “Works of this nature require exceptional attention to detail and our extensive experience in education ensures that we’re able to meet the diverse needs of all those involved.

“The project will also mean that we’re a step closer towards achieving the government’s aim in making England the best place in the world to grow up by 2020.”

Westbury Lodge is being transformed as part of the Blackpool Local Education Partnership, which comprises Blackpool Council and Eric Wright Group and looks to deliver improved education facilities using local suppliers and contractors.

The cabinet secretary for Blackpool Council, Cllr Graham Cain, said: “The work taking place at Westbury Lodge not only allows us to reuse an old building that had been standing dormant but it will also increase the capacity for young people with special educational needs to continue learning after they’ve left secondary education.

“As the government’s cuts really begin to bite hard, we need to make sure that every asset we own is contributing positively to the town’s future and I’m convinced that the solution for Westbury Lodge will do exactly that.”

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