Seashell’s long-awaited Project Transformation to build a new school and campus, has started today.

Contractors started work today (1 February 2021) on the project to build a new school, redevelop the existing college, create a new site entrance and reception building, build a new four-court sports hall, gym and pavilion, new training facilities, community engagement and administration facilities and a new assessment and early years centre.

The start of the project, which has been years in the planning and will take more than five years to complete, was welcomed by Seashell Chief Executive and Principal, Jolanta McCall, who described the day as ‘truly momentous for all of the Seashell community’.

She said: “We have worked incredibly hard to get Project Transformation off the ground and I am delighted to see work start today. This is more than a building project: It represents a bright future for children and young people with complex learning disabilities and I am looking forward to the exciting milestones ahead of us.

“Today sees the start of the work on our new school and this is very much the beginning. We will continue to innovate and fundraise and deliver the very best for all our students and residents as we develop the facilities for the future.”

The first phase of the construction project will see a new school developed which is expected to open in autumn 2022, and a new site entrance and reception building, again expected to open in autumn 2022.

Project Transformation is being delivered by construction experts Willmott Dixon and any residents who have any questions about the development should email ProjectTransformation@seashelltrust.org.uk.

*Image from left to right: Phil Lavers (Willmott Dixon), Jolanta McCall (Chief Executive and Principal, Seashell), Mark Ascroft (Director of Finance & Strategy, Seashell).