Conlon Construction has completed a £4.8m specialist annexe at Springwood Primary School in Salford for up to 40 pupils with special educational needs and disabilities.
Delivered on behalf of Salford City Council, the ‘Nest’ building provides a dedicated learning environment for pupils aged four to 11 from across the city, all of whom have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), including those with profound and complex needs.
The 500 sq metre building includes four classrooms, each with dedicated quiet and storage rooms, alongside flexible learning space, staff rooms, additional toilet and sensory facilities, and circulation areas. The annexe also provides indoor and outdoor learning spaces.
The development was designed to minimise impact on the surrounding green space, with measures taken throughout the project to retain and enhance biodiversity. Additional trees and wildflowers have been planted across the site, alongside new pathways, fencing and a living green screen.
The project achieved a 10% biodiversity net gain within the site boundaries, while sustainable drainage systems (SuDS), including 6m-deep soakaways, were incorporated into the development.
Conlon was appointed through the North West Construction Hub under a design and build contract, drawing on its experience delivering specialist SEND education projects across the region, including the expansion of Highfurlong Primary School in Blackpool and Springfield School in Wilmslow.
The project also delivered a range of social value initiatives, with Conlon working with the school and its supply chain to clear pathways, remove an existing shed and provide a new summerhouse facility. Training opportunities were provided for a T-level student, while local employment was prioritised where possible.
The works were completed ahead of programme, with Conlon providing the school with early access to move into the new facilities ahead of the September 2026 intake.
The opening was marked with a ceremony attended by headteacher Jeanette Woodward-Styles, Conlon director Lee Parry and pupils from Springwood Primary School. They were joined by Chris Moore, chief executive of The Link Education Trust, deputy chief executive Jacqui Wennington, Councillor Jim Cammell, representatives from the council’s education department, and members of Conlon’s project team.
Guy Parker, chair and managing director of Conlon Construction, said: “Our experience delivering specialist education projects has been invaluable on this scheme, particularly in understanding the requirements of pupils with complex needs.
“The project presented a number of challenges, from delivering specialist learning spaces within a live school environment to protecting and enhancing the surrounding landscape. Working closely with Salford City Council, the school and our supply chain, we were able to complete the building ahead of programme and deliver a facility that will provide long-term value for the school and its pupils.”
Welcoming environment
Jeanette Woodward-Styles, headteacher at Springwood Primary School, said: “We are delighted with the new ‘Nest’ provision at Springwood, which will provide a high-quality, safe and welcoming environment where our pupils can learn, develop and thrive.
“From the outset, Conlon Construction worked closely with us to ensure that every aspect of the building reflected the needs of our pupils and staff. The thoughtfully designed learning spaces, sensory facilities and outdoor areas will make a significant difference to the educational experience and wellbeing of the children who use them.
“The addition of this specialist provision will enable us to support more pupils with complex needs from across Salford, helping ensure they have access to an environment that is tailored to their individual requirements.
“We are extremely grateful to everyone involved in bringing this project to life and are excited to see the positive impact these facilities will have on our pupils and their families for many years to come.”
Chris Moore, chief executive of The Link Education Trust, said: “The opening of the new Nest provision at Springwood represents a significant investment in inclusive education and our commitment to ensuring every child can access the support they need to thrive. The Link Education Trust is delighted to work in partnership with Salford City Council and Conlon Construction to create high-quality learning environments that enable children with additional needs to achieve their full potential.”
Main image: Conlon director, Lee Parry hands over the Nest extension to headteacher Jeanette Woodward-Styles
Read next: Nscale signs multi-year deal with robot maker Figure
Are you a building professional? Sign up for a FREE MEMBERSHIP to upload news stories, post job vacancies, and connect with colleagues on our secure social feed.
