Willow Dene Sixth Form Building

Project name: New Sixth Form Building for Willow Dene School
Sector: Education
Location: London
Client name: Royal Borough of Greenwich
Supplied by: Wernick Buildings
Size: 14 modules
Programme: 31 weeks
Features: Reception, classrooms, changing facility, lift, staff room, toilets

Requirement

The Royal Borough of Greenwich addressed the increasing demand for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) provisions for students aged 15 and above.

In collaboration with Willow Dene School, part of The Compass Partnership, the Council’s Education and Child Services departments played a key role in defining the requirements for extending support to students aged 16 and older with SEN.

The Borough has committed to funding the development of additional facilities on one of the school’s two sites to meet these needs, reflecting their dedication to enhancing educational provisions and supporting the diverse needs of the community.

The solution

The project aimed to design and construct a new two-story building tailored to the needs of SEND students, incorporating the Schedule of Accommodation, specific user requirements, and site constraints. The design process was developed through close collaboration with the Head Teacher and Operational Lead for Special Schools to ensure it met functional and educational needs. The scope included the building itself, external landscaping, and modifications to the existing car park and access routes to integrate seamlessly with the main school site.

Wernick collaborated closely with the school to develop the project in two stages: Pre-Construction Services and a Design and Build Contract. Once planning approval was secured, the 14 modules were manufactured at Wernick’s factory in South Wales. The modular units were then transported to Willow Dene School, where they were installed in a compact area within the school grounds. Leveraging the modular approach, the building was efficiently assembled using cranes, minimising disruption and maximising the use of limited space on-site.