Hull submits SEND school plans
Sewell Construction is lead contractor on the delayed Willowfield Free School, which will be delivered by Hull City Council in partnership with Hull Esteem LEP, with funding from the Department for Education.
The wider project team includes Avison Young as planner and architect Watson Batty.
Located on land east of the existing Frederick Holmes School on Inglemire Lane, the school will cater for 125 pupils with severe physical and/or learning difficulties.
Sewell will deliver a 44,000 sq ft two-storey building, alongside a new access road and parking provision.
Plans for the school were announced in 2019, however increased costs have caused a series of delays on the project – with the budget rising from £19.6m to £25.6m.
Hull City Council previously confirmed the shortfall would be split equally between the council and the DfE.
Initially, work was due to start in 2025, however the new timeline notes that, if approved, construction will now start later this year.
Designed to be low-carbon, plans include classrooms, specialist teaching and therapy spaces, and a hydrotherapy pool, as well as hard and soft play areas and landscaping.
The council is working on the project alongside Humber Education Trust, with the aim of ensuring that children with complex needs are educated in environments designed to help them.
Both Frederick Holmes School and Platform Daycare Centre will remain open throughout the construction phase.
Access will be via a new road and pedestrian path from Inglemire Lane.
Cllr Linda Tock, portfolio holder for children’s services at the council, said: “Every child in Hull is entitled to an education in an environment that enables them to maximise their learning.
“This is an exciting project that would go some way to providing much‑needed additional SEND provision in the city.
“It demonstrates the commitment both the council and Humber Education Trust have to driving forward inclusive practice and widening opportunities for children and young people with the most complex needs.”
