Topic Projects
Date 02 Nov 2022
Members from Galliford Try’s Building North West business met with dignitaries from St Helen’s Council and the new headteacher of Willow Bank School to celebrate the project’s completion.
The new school, which will replace Penkford School, located nearby, is a Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) facility, and will cater for children with an array of complex needs such as ADHD and autism.
The £7.6m development included the creation of a new structure containing a sports hall, offices and a canteen space, all adapted to fit the additional needs of the students. The project also includes extensions to a previous structure on the site, maximising the available space and allowing for the integration of further facilities.
Its successful completion builds on Galliford Try’s strong record in providing SEND schools across the country, with the business having 16 projects in the sector either on site or completed over the past three years.
Andy Ward, Operations Director for Galliford Try Building North West, commented: “It was great visiting Willow Bank and meeting the school’s new leadership, as well as local councillors, to celebrate the completion of the school.
“Willow Bank School showcases our commitment to the creation of exceptional learning spaces for SEND children, and is a fantastic addition to our portfolio of schools across the North West.”
Anne Kyle, Headteacher at Willow Bank School, said: "The school serves the whole of St Helens and we are absolutely delighted to be able to move into our new building over half term to welcome back the children into this multimillion-pound modern facility. Our children of St Helens that have needs like this deserve the very best."
St Helens Councillor Nova Charlton, Cabinet Member for Children's Services, said: "It is such an exciting time for the pupils and staff as they make the transition to their new school. The creation of Willow Bank School will further enhance the fantastic education that the staff have always offered to children at its former site Penkford.
“It has been built with the needs of the pupils at the forefront of its design with a number of features that will provide children with specialist support to meet their needs.”