A £2.9 million building project by Westmorland and Furness Council has progressed to its next stage.

The development, currently underway in Barrow, has seen the first delivery of pre-built modular sections of the school to the Channelside site.

This follows the successful completion of the groundworks and foundations, marking another significant step in the construction process.

 

Spanning four consecutive days, the transport of the 29 modules from the manufacturing site in Aspatria to their final location in Barrow was a sizeable operation.

Not only did it entail the use of escort vehicles for the wide-load lorries, but it also involved the intricate placement of modules via crane upon arrival in Barrow.

This delivery process will be repeated in September for the scheduled arrival and installation of the second and final batch of modules, pushing the project closer to completion.

The building, once finished, will function as an alternative provision accommodating up to 40 young people, working alongside other educational facilities.

The purpose of this project is to support children's access to the curriculum in a setting that best suits their needs, allowing them to be educated within their own communities.

Sue Sanderson, Westmorland and Furness Council’s cabinet member for Children’s Services, Education and Skills, said: "The latest developments on site see us another step closer to being able to offer this modern, inclusive provision to our young people and their families.

"Everyone should have access to good quality education and facilities and this new building will provide a fantastic alternative curriculum and education experience for children and young people who find the mainstream environment challenging."

Lisa Balderstone, headteacher at South Cumbria Pupil Referral Service, said: "It is great to see the project making progress.

"Being part of the project team means, as a key stakeholder, I have been able to help shape the plans for our new provision so it will deliver the best environment to help us to meet our student’s specific needs."

Cllr Peter Thornton, Westmorland and Furness Council’s cabinet member for Highways and Assets, said: "Modern ways of building like this means that projects can take place in a far more efficient way, allowing construction to be completed at the same time as the foundations and ground preparation work is happening."

As per the planned schedule, the construction of the building is expected to continue throughout 2024, with the school ready to open in the spring of 2025.