Purpose built school designed by Cassidy Ashton opens in Blackpool for children with specific needs
A £4.5m purpose-built school in Blackpool commissioned by Blackpool Council and designed by Cassidy + Ashton has opened.
Lotus School, on Langdale Road, caters for pupils with social, emotional and mental health needs. Blackpool Council covered the £4.5m cost of the project through the Free School Funds for Special Education Provision.
The project was then commissioned through a self-delivery model by Blackpool Local Education Partnership and Eric Wright Group Special Projects Team.
Cassidy + Ashton worked alongside the main contractors Eric Wright to create the state-of-the-art 19,375 sq ft school building.
There are also dedicated sensory and therapy rooms for use by educational psychologists, speech and language teams and occupational therapists.
Headteacher, Mrs Rachel Kenworthy, said: “Champion Education Trust is absolutely delighted with our new school that Cassidy + Ashton designed. The entire process was collaborative, and we always felt the team listened to our ideas and suggestions and offered practical solutions to any issues.
“The building has been thoughtfully designed and is going to support the journey that our young people are on. Cassidy + Ashton has helped us to create a learning environment that meets not only the academic, but also the social and emotional needs of our learners.”
Lawrence McBurney, director at Cassidy + Ashton and head architect on the project added: “We are proud to have been involved in such an important vocational resource within the local area that ensures pupils with specific needs are catered for.
“By combining open plan spaces with dedicated learning areas, all encompassed with plenty of natural light, our aim was to create a vibrant educational facility and inspiring environment for its students.”
Lotus School caters for up to 48 students ranging from year six to year 11 and is the only school of its kind on the Fylde Coast.
