Galliford Try’s Building Southern division has marked the commencement of construction on the new special educational needs (SEN) Rowan Wood School in Royal Greenwich, London, UK.
The £30m ($38.9m) project, in collaboration with Southern Construction Framework, will deliver an educational facility for children with autism-spectrum disorder (ASD) and complex needs.
The new Rowan Wood School, located on Hargood Road, will offer 128 places for students aged 11 to 19.
The facility is designed to cater to the specific requirements of children with ASD, featuring tailored teaching and learning environments.
The school will include a multifunction hall, a dining area, sensory rooms, a multiuse games area, libraries, and a sixth-form space.
The school will be equipped with photovoltaic panels on its roof, targeting a Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Methodology (BREEAM) Excellent rating for its environmental performance.
The construction process is expected to be completed early next year.
The ground-breaking ceremony saw the presence of dignitaries from the local council.
They were joined by Ross Silcock, executive headteacher of Compass Partnership of Schools, as well as faculty, students, and members from consulting company Pick Everard and architectural business Haverstock.
Galliford Try Building Southern managing director Gavin Bridge said: “This event marked the start of our collective journey towards providing an exceptional school. We are excited to work alongside the Royal Borough of Greenwich once again and our partners to bring Rowan Wood School to life.
“Our business has a strong track record in creating innovative SEN facilities, and providing every child with the opportunity to thrive, to learn, and to grow in a setting designed to meet their unique needs and aspirations.”
Last month, Galliford Try’s Building North West division secured a contract for the redevelopment of Castle Hill Primary School in Todmorden, Calderdale.
This project, part of the wider School Rebuilding Programme, was awarded through the UK Department for Education’s Construction Framework 2021.
