Brief
There was an urgent requirement for further and enhanced Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) provision in the community and in the county as a whole.
This 60-place school provides a first-class support setting and learning facilities for primary and secondary students with social, emotional and mental health needs.
Prior to this vital educational facility being built, pupils had to travel out of the county to reach a Special, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) school.
Key Info
Type:
New Build
Value:
£6 million
Location:
Ipswich, Suffolk
Client:
Suffolk County Council – Children and
Young People (CYP), Department for Education
End User:
Sir Bobby Robson School
Unity Schools Partnership
Contractor:
R G Carter
Completion:
October 2020
Disciplines:
Architecture, Building Services Design, Interior Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Project Management, Quantity Surveying + Cost Consultancy, Structural + Civil Engineering
Imagery
Scope
A calming and inspiring environment has been created to allow pupils to develop independence and self-confidence.
Leading innovation has resulted in a purpose-built school that includes 10 general classrooms, 3 specialist classrooms, a multi-purpose hall, kitchen, dining space, soft play and sensory areas. The internal design considered durability of finishes and health and safety to facilitate safe and functional surroundings.
The school shares a site with multiple users, including a pupil referral unit, Orwell Sexual Health Clinic and Inspire Suffolk (a charity dedicated to supporting young people). We arranged site user meetings prior to and during construction to accommodate the different needs of these organisations. These meetings influenced our design – for example, the building had to be robust and incorporate pitched roofs to deter roof climbers.
Testimonial
“We would like to thank R G Carter and Concertus for their hard work on this project. The Sir Bobby Robson School is a much-needed educational facility in Ipswich and it is very exciting to see it come to life before our eyes.”
Adam Dabin, Headteacher, Sir Bobby Robson School
Result
Our collaborative approach allowed for a seamless transition to deliver this specialist school.
We played a significant role in helping the school obtain funding to make their dream a reality. The previously unused confined brownfield site has now been transformed. Our collaborative approach allowed for a seamless transition to deliver this specialist school which has surpassed expectations through creative design solutions. We are extremely proud to have been a part of this instrumental project which has provided Suffolk with its first SEMH school.