Westbury Lodge Refurbishment
Overview
The works, commissioned by Blackpool Council as part of the Local Education Partnership, provide much-needed accommodation for nearby SEN providers, Park Community Academy and Woodlands Special School.
Westbury Lodge accommodates up to 50 young people aged between 16 and 19 and include specialist facilities designed for profound complex learning difficulties and education needs, such as severe autism and other rare syndromes.
The building had previously been a children’s home before being converted into office space. This unique project stems from a shared vision to achieve
outstanding outcomes for all youngsters, helping to overcome learning barriers and build better life chances.
The works included part demolition, propping, remodelling of the kitchen and disabled WCs and forming new door openings to suit DDA compliant obligations.
Steel was required to create large teaching spaces incorporating adapted kitchen areas, washing and ironing facilities.
A new hoist was installed to the ground floor wet rooms and teaching area. New windows and doors were installed and new toilets and bathrooms, fully decorated to a very good standard.
Works also involved mechanical and electrical works and minor alterations to existing external footpaths.
Key Challenges
This project was undertaken on a very tight, restricted site on a busy main road, close to the town centre and with a health centre on one side, residential dwellings to other side and an existing school to rear.
Planning and logistics were carefully considered to ensure minimal disruption and maintain access for local residents and businesses. Deliveries were arranged out of peak times and noisy works planned for school holidays.
Added Value
Pupils and teachers were invited for a site tour, and were very excited to see their new facilities.
96% of labour is from locality and local suppliers and supply chain were employed on the scheme.