Tilbury Douglas has been appointed to lead the construction of the Heywood Academy on behalf of the Department for Education.

Ellis Williams Architects has designed the two-storey building in Heywood which will be operated by the New Bridge Multi Academy Trust to provide education for up to 76 pupils aged 11-19 with Special Educational Needs (SEN).

On the ground floor there will be a main hall, as well as a dining room and offices. There will also be two sensory rooms, five classrooms, and a food science lab.

Upstairs, pupils aged over 16 will be provided with seven classrooms, a library, and a common room.

The project will also include a multi-use games area, habitat area, and forest school.

Landscaping will feature orchard trees, wildflower grasses with mown paths, and timber growing boxes.

These high-quality facilities and sensory and outdoor learning spaces will cater to the diverse needs of the children.

The school will be constructed embracing sustainable practices and renewable energy sources to ensure it achieves net zero carbon neutral status.

The project will also generate significant employment and training opportunities, aiming for a 45% social value return on investment. This includes a unique partnership with M3 Project, an East Lancashire charity providing essential advice, support, and housing for the homeless.

Martin Horne, divisional director for the North West at Tilbury Douglas, said: “We look forward to working with project stakeholders to ensure the new building is delivered to the highest quality to enable the academy trust to offer first-class educational facilities to students with SEN in Rochdale.”