Released: 17 February 2022
The major project to build a new college at Woodlands Meed for the benefit of 100 children with special needs is progressing at pace.
Work on site at the Burgess Hill college began at the end of last year. The contractor ISG has now completed the sheet piling work and the equipment has left the site.
Storm drainage works have begun which will safely control the run off of surface water from the new college. The groundwork is continuing to prepare the site ahead of the main construction commencing in the summer.
West Sussex County Council is funding the £21.6m college rebuild and Leader Paul Marshall joined Nigel Jupp, Cabinet Member for Learning & Skills, Pete Bradbury, Council Chairman and Council officers for a site visit with ISG on Wednesday, 16 February 2022.
Cllr Marshall said: “It was wonderful to see the new college taking shape and hear about the positive progress being made. ISG explained how hard they are working to minimise the disruption to neighbouring residents and it is clear they share our enthusiasm for this really important project which will greatly benefit Woodlands Meed pupils and staff.”
The new college will provide much-improved facilities for 100 college pupils at Woodlands Meed. This includes bigger classrooms and specialist areas for design and technology, music, science and food technology; high-quality sporting facilities; a new hydrotherapy pool and therapy rooms; and outdoor learning and play areas including an amphitheatre.
Cllr Jupp said: “Everyone involved in building the new college is extremely pleased to see the work well underway and progressing at pace. When we approved the funding for Woodlands Meed in May 2020 we said the work would start in December 2021, which we achieved, and said the new college building would be completed in Spring 2023, which remains on target.”
A ground-breaking celebration is being planned for the Spring to mark the conclusion of ground works as the new college building begins to emerge. More details will be provided on the Council’s Woodlands Meed project webpage
Those interested in the project can read monthly constructions updates on ISG’s BuildingWoodlands Meed webpage.
