PROJECT PROFILE
ARDNASHEE SCHOOL & COLLEGE, DERRY/LONDONDERRY
Creating an outstanding learning environment for special needs students
WOODVALE CONSTRUCTION HAS DELIVERED A HIGH-SPEC SAFE AND INSPIRATIONAL SPACE FOR 3-19-YEAR-OLDS IN A PROJECT FOCUSED ON SUSTAINABILITY AND RESPECT FOR ITS COMMUNITY…
A 31-month project, creating a unique space for a diverse range of special needs students, has been handed over on the exact delivery date specified by main contractor Woodvale Construction Company Ltd. A much-needed facility for special education needs (SEN), Ardnashee School & College represents a £35m investment by the Department of Education. The single-storey campus was designed by Samuel Stevenson & Sons to meet the needs of pupils aged 3-19 with profound, moderate and severe learning difficulties. Handed over in February 2025, the project was awarded an impressive 44/45 rating from the Considerate Constructors Scheme and is targeting BREEAM Excellent accreditation. Located at the old Foyle College site on Northland Road, the 7.8-hectare
space was cleared prior to Woodvale Construction commencing works. Darragh McGlone, Contracts Manager, said, “Over the 31-month duration of the project, the Woodvale Construction team maintained a strong focus on safety, quality and meeting deadlines. “Our ability to work closely with Project Manager Samuel Stevenson & Sons and the Education Authority, and to adapt to evolving requirements, was key to the success of this project. “The collaborative efforts from all parties ensured we met the ambitious budget and timeline, ultimately delivering a school that will provide an outstanding learning environment for students.” Works included a reception area with a large canopy for weather protection, classrooms, offices, storerooms, school meals accommodation and private toilet areas.
Among specialist SEN facilities incorporated into the build were sensory rooms, a rebound therapy room, hydrotherapy pool, hard and soft play areas, a zip line, sports hall, ball courts, fitness suite and hygiene rooms including sensory baths and Japanese-style toilets. Also entailed in the project were associated mechanical and electrical services including natural gas-fired condensing boilers and a BMS control system, siteworks, drainage, landscaping, sports pitches, car parking and a covered walkway for pick up/drop off. Separate wings provide accommodation for post-16, secondary, primary and nursery pupils and specialist subjects, with a sense of progression through the school highlighted by clear and logical wayfinding. Glazed links between the wings incorporate natural daylight and create a sense of openness.
The quality of the finish and the experience and the process of the build has been second to none for us.”
16 | NI BUILDER
FOLLOW US ON:
www.nibuilder.co.uk
Made with FlippingBook - professional solution for displaying marketing and sales documents online