Willmott Dixon has entered a multimillion-pound contract to construct a new 28-bed secure children's home in Sleaford, Lincolnshire, UK.  

Lincolnshire County Council chose the company last year to complete design proposals for the home located in Bonemill Lane. 

Procured through Pagabo’s Major Works Framework, the project is funded by the UK Department for Education (DfE). 

It aims to provide improved facilities for Lincolnshire's vulnerable children and serve as a national resource for secure accommodation. 

Willmott Dixon director Nick Heath said: “This is a hugely significant scheme, not only for Lincolnshire to address an acute need for secure accommodation, but also for the wider country as it will bring together best practice from across the UK and Europe. 

“It will help young people get their lives ‘back on track’ using a whole host of facilities including on-site education, well-being, vocational and sports facilities, as well as delivering against important sustainability credentials to make the building’s legacy especially evident.” 

The new home will replace the current smaller site, which is nearing the end of its operational lifespan.  

This development comes in response to a national increase in demand for both criminal justice and welfare placements for children. 

Designed to be a flagship project within the sector, it is expected to reach net zero in operation, featuring a partial grid solution supported by solar panels and power storage.  

Kier has designed the home, which is expected to be completed in late 2026. 

Last month, Willmott Dixon celebrated a construction milestone with the topping out of Paddock School's new expansion site in Wandsworth, England.