Eric Wright completes Blackpool school refurb

The ribbon has been cut on Woodlands SEN School in Blackpool after Eric Wright completed a £2.3m refurbishment project.

The project, undertaken in partnership with Blackpool Council, provides improved facilities for local children with special educational needs from early years to 16.

The contract awarded to Eric Wright Group’s Special Projects construction division by the Blackpool Local Education Partnership. It is one of over 51 projects undertaken by Eric Wright Group in the town in the last 25 years, with investments totalling £146m.

The Woodlands School improvement programme, which began in March 2017 consisted of a comprehensive, six-phase refurbishment programme. Extensions to the front and side elevations enabled administrative areas to be expanded, whilst new facilities and the reconfiguration of classrooms, corridors, ceilings and toilets brought the building up to current building regulation guidelines and created new teaching and learning spaces for the staff and pupils.

Stephen Knowles, head of special projects at Eric Wright Group, said: “The improvements which have been made to Woodlands School will really enhance the learning experience for the school community and we are delighted to have been able to deliver those for the town.

"We’ve had a great working relationship with the staff and children and have ensured minimal disruption for them whilst we completed these much-needed improvement works. We’re delighted with the high standard of the finish and it’s great to see the positive effect already on those using the building."

Cllr Kath Benson, cabinet member for schools and learning, said: “ We want to give every young Blackpool resident the very best start in life. These pupils deserve to be taught in a building that matches the quality care and teaching they receive from staff.

“It was obvious that staff at the school were doing the best they could with outdated facilities, but the building felt very institutional, which was in complete contrast to the caring teaching practices that were evident in classroom life."