Robertson North West has been awarded a contract to build a new, multi-million-pound centre for children with autism by Blackburn and Darwen Borough Council.
The Newfield Autism Centre will accommodate 60 pupils and will lie adjacent to the existing school on Old Bank Lane.
Construction of the £4.8m project will commence this month and Robertson is expected to hand over the work in February 2018.
Commenting on the contract win, Brian Todd, Managing Director of Robertson Construction England, said: “We are extremely pleased to have been selected to construct a building that is going to make such a great impact in the local community.
“Our expertise in construction will help in delivering this important project to the highest standards and we are looking forward to starting work.”
Councillor Dave Harling, Blackburn with Darwen Council’s Executive Member for Schools and Education, said: “The start of this work is really good news for children with autism and their families. ASD is a very complex and wide-ranging condition and a unit like this is needed to give pupils care, education and an experience that is right for them. We do currently have a shortfall of provision so this new unit is vital for young people in the borough.
“Making sure we provide the best educational environment where all children can learn, feel safe and thrive is essential and I can’t wait to see this unit when it is completed.”
The steel-frame, single-storey structure is expected to offer a number of new places for pupils with autism and incorporate the existing pupils that are already at the school.
The building with 10 classrooms will be run by staff at Newfield Specialist School.
Robertson North West is a regional construction arm of the £450 million infrastructure group Robertson.
