Redruth School Area Resource Base (ARB)

Project

Redruth School Area Resource Base (ARB)

Location

Redruth, Cornwall

Client

Cornwall Council

Contract

£1.3m

Duration

24 weeks

Project Description

This project for repeat client, Cornwall Council, involved the internal refurbishment and modernisation of a vacant, former Youth Centre building located within the secondary school grounds of Redruth School. The facility was transformed into a state-of-the-art Area Resource Base (ARB) designed to support young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

The ARB is aimed principally at pupils with social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs, such as anxiety and communication challenges, and can accommodate up to 25 young people who have an Education Health and Care Plan (EHCP) in place to support their learning and development. The facility uses sport as a way for young people to self-regulate, so the building was designed with a new modern sports hall in the centre of the building. It also includes an outdoor play area, modern teaching kitchen, IT systems and equipment, and an accessible ramp to the main school. The building has been carefully designed to support the specific sensory needs of the young people using it.

Craig Bonds, headteacher at Redruth School, said: “The ARB facility opening at Redruth School is a fantastic addition to further support young people in our community. In conjunction with the Local Authority, we have created a wonderful provision that is already inspiring our students to reach beyond their potential.  To have such an inclusive provision as part of our school means all young people in Redruth can be educated together.” 

The construction phase integrated comprehensive decarbonisation and thermal efficiency upgrades to modernise the building envelope. Works commenced with a major internal strip-out alongside both structural and non-structural alterations. To drastically improve thermal performance, the team installed highly efficient glazing alongside advanced insulation and new ductwork. The mechanical upgrade featured the complex installation of a new heating system consisting of eight large industrial heat recovery space heaters specifically engineered to heat large volumes efficiently. Structural remediation was also required, which the team resolved by injecting high-pressure resin to stabilise a gap in the concrete floor slab. External works completed the transformation, delivering a secure outdoor play area, a new shelter canopy, and ramped access to ensure full inclusivity.

The building is located within the grounds of the secondary school which was occupied for periods of the contract. Safeguarding and segregation were of paramount importance throughout the duration of the project in order to maintain the highest standards of health and safety, and the programme was carefully scheduled in collaboration with school staff to avoid key dates and times, minimising disruption to operations.

By transforming a vacant building into a tailored Area Resource Base, this project has created a nurturing sanctuary designed to support the specific sensory and emotional needs of its users. This collaborative project ensures a truly inclusive environment where students can thrive, self-regulate, and achieve their potential in a modern, secure facility.