Cassidy + Ashton’s expansion plans to increase capacity at Blackpool SEND school approved
Cassidy + Ashton has secured planning permission from Blackpool Council to build two new classrooms along with other facilities at Park Community Academy, on Whitegate Drive, Blackpool.
The proposed plans will extend the school to ensure more pupils can attend specialist education in their local area rather than having to travel to outer areas to receive the support they need.
Pupils who attend the academy have a wide range of learning needs including moderate to severe learning difficulties, sensory impairment, complex medical needs and varying degrees of social, emotional and behavioural needs which are associated with the academy’s Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) accreditation.
As the appointed planning and architectural consultants on the project, Cassidy + Ashton’s proposals include a first-floor extension and a two-storey addition to the existing The Stables building, built in 1961. The Stables has been significantly altered over the years to accommodate the growing demand for places at the school.
The architectural designs feature two new full-sized classrooms, with retreat space, a wet room and toilets, as well as a sensory therapy room. It also includes a staff kitchen where pupils can learn cooking skills, and an outside play area including a covered area.
Improvements will also be made to the parking layout and outdoor landscaping.
The investment is part of Blackpool Council’s town-wide vision to ensure children with additional needs can receive education closer to home. £6.2m of funding has been set to subsidise building new classroom space within the town, including at Park Community Academy.
Alistair Baines, chairman of Cassidy + Ashton, said: “This is an important project for Blackpool. Pupils currently travelling to educational facilities outside the borough is a considerable cost to the local authority.
“The expansion plans for the academy will update and improve its existing facilities which have not been significantly remodelled since 2002. Our proposed designs for the academy will also adapt the site for provision of inclusive facilities for Intensive Support Centre (ISC) learners.”
Cassidy + Ashton has extensive experience working with councils across the North West to improve facilities at SEND schools. Alongside the planning and design support its team is providing for Park Community Academy, Cassidy + Ashton is the appointed architectural consultant for Highfurlong School, an award-winning SEND school in Blackpool, on a project to double the school’s capacity.
Our team is also involved in an expansion project at Rumworth School, an outstanding SEND school in Bolton. Both these schemes are currently onsite.
Alistair added: “We are extremely proud to play such an important role in improving the education experience for children with special needs by designing creative spaces where they can flourish, and enjoy their education in modern, interactive surroundings.”
The expansion project at Park Community Academy will now go through a competitive tendering process. The aim is commence work onsite by the early part of 2025, with the first classrooms appearing in the Autumn of 2025.
