GLENWOOD School was announced as the winner in the Community Benefit category at the prestigious Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) Awards.
The Special Educational Needs (SEN) school in Benfleet, Essex was recognised for addressing the needs of SEN school places and community facilities in the local area at the RICS East of England Awards, which recognises outstanding developments in the region.
The £15m scheme was commissioned by Essex County Council through its own construction framework utilising leading property, construction and infrastructure consultancy Pick Everard for project and cost management services, with design and build expertise being provided by construction firm Morgan Sindall.
The new state-of-the-art building includes 26 classrooms, a hydrotherapy pool and specialist facilities to help meet pupils’ sensory needs, including swing therapy rooms and a trampoline room to help promote body awareness, sequencing, postural control and organisation of the senses.
Gary Buick, director at Pick Everard said: “We’re delighted that Glenwood has won this incredibly prestigious award.
“This project was delivered to address a severe shortage of SEN school places in Essex, and the team worked closely with the school to ensure that the design met the needs of the pupils and fitted the ethos of the school.
“Glenwood School provides the very best support and learning opportunities for children and young adults with special educational needs. The new state-of-the-art facilities will provide a secure and exciting learning space for pupils.
“The new building also provides much-needed lettable space for community groups that require accessible facilities including hall spaces, a swimming pool, playing fields and a multi-use games area.”
Councillor Ray Gooding, Essex County Council’s Cabinet Member for Education, said: “We are committed to ensuring all pupils receive the best possible education and work hard to ensure this is within an environment that meets their individual needs.
“Glenwood School is a fantastic example of the council’s investment in special school places across the county, which will benefit pupils now and for years to come. I’d like to congratulate everyone involved in the project for their hard work and success at the awards ceremony last night.”
The RICS Awards were held on Friday (11 May) and are the premier property and construction awards in the country, honouring the most innovative projects in the region and their impact on local communities.