Yesterday (Tuesday, 21 April) we marked a major milestone in our campus redevelopment with the official opening of The Ged Mason Building, an industry-leading new facility designed to transform education, care and support for children and young adults with complex disabilities.
The official opening ceremony included VIP guests, including Sir Alex Ferguson, partners and supporters joining Seashell staff and students to celebrate the completion of the state-of-the-art building. The £29m building is the new home for our Royal College Manchester and represents a significant investment in Seashell’s long-term vision to provide outstanding, inclusive environments where every young person can thrive.
Purpose-built to meet the diverse needs of students with Severe to Profound and Multiple Learning Disabilities (SLD / PMLD) and additional complex needs, The Ged Mason Building features cutting-edge facilities throughout. It boasts a climbing wall designed by the masterminds behind the Paralympic Games climbing facilities as well as fully accessible teaching and therapy spaces, assistive technology, integrated classrooms, specialist sensory rooms, collaborative learning hubs, an accessible gym, and calm, pupil-centred design elements to promote wellbeing and independence. Flexible spaces allow education, care and therapy teams to work seamlessly together, ensuring truly holistic support.
Royal College Manchester students have been enjoying the new facility since early March. This includes residential student Iman, whose story was shown as part of a special film premiered on the evening. Fellow students Laneyle and Sam were also part of the big day, enjoying speaking to the BBC about the new building (click here to read the BBC article).
The official opening last night marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter, with The Ged Mason Building now fully operational and already making a difference to the Seashell community. It was also an opportunity to thank donors who made it possible, while also building relationships with potential new supporters.
The building is named in honour of Ged Mason OBE, whose support and commitment played a pivotal role in bringing the project to life. Ged Mason OBE is not only a major donor towards the project, he is also Seashell’s President.
Ged Mason OBE said: “Seeing this building officially open is incredibly moving. Seashell’s work changes lives, and it has been an honour to support a project that will positively impact so many young people and families for generations to come. This building stands as a symbol of ambition and belief in what young people can achieve when they are given the right environment.
“I want to extend my gratitude to all the donors who made this possible and the teams who were involved in making the project a reality. It is such a special place in which to educate young people now and for many years to come.”
Seashell Chief Executive Brandon Leigh described the opening as a defining moment for the charity. He said: “The Ged Mason Building is far more than bricks and mortar – it is an investment in potential. These state-of-the-art facilities enable our staff to deliver exceptional education, therapy and care in a space that truly reflects the aspirations we hold for every child and young adult at Seashell.”
The building was delivered by Eric Wright Construction, who worked closely with Seashell and architects, Faulkner Browns, to create a facility that is both innovative and responsive to the young adults who will use it not just now, but for many years to come.
James Eager, Director of Eric Wright Construction, said: “It has been a privilege to work alongside Seashell as the main contractor on a project that delivers such purpose and impact. The Ged Mason Building demonstrates what can be achieved when high-quality construction is driven by a clear social mission. Every element has been designed around accessibility, sustainability and long-term value for the young people who will benefit from it.”
There is still £1m left to raise towards the building and each year our Fundraising Team needs to raise an additional £2m to support the charity’s work. The Fundraising Team is keen to hear from anyone who would like to invest in the charity or host a fundraising event.
To find out more about our fundraising events or email fundraising@seashelltrust.org.uk
