Golden bolt for autism centre

A ceremonial golden bolt has been fitted to Newfield Autism Centre, which is currently being constructed in Blackburn

The £4.8m specialist autism centre will accommodate 60 pupils, is being built next to the existing school on Old Bank Lane and is expected to be completed in February 2018.

Construction of the new, purpose-built school centre for children with autism began in March. The insertion of the last bolt signified the completion of the steel structure, with work now starting on the next phase of the project.

Work on on the building stopped briefly for the ‘Golden Bolt Ceremony’, which was attended by students who will go to the new centre, members of Blackburn with Darwen Council and the Robertson North West team, which is leading construction on the building.

Commenting on the project’s progress, Darren Stirling, Robertson North West Operations Director, said:

The fitting of the golden bolt is always a clear indication that the construction is progressing well and we are excited to deliver a centre that will be extremely beneficial to the local community.

Councillor Dave Harling, Blackburn with Darwen Council’s Executive Member for Schools and Education, said:

This ceremony shows we are getting ever closer to realising this centre which will provide fantastic facilities for children and young people with autism.

Work is progressing well and we are very proud to be building this facility in the borough.”

Councillor Maureen Bateson, Executive Member for Children’s Services, said:

This type of centre has been needed for some time, and we had talked about this for a while. I am thrilled to see the progress being made. Newfield is an outstanding school, and I have no doubt that this centre is going to be outstanding as well, especially for the young people and the community.”

The building will have 10 classrooms and will be run by staff at Newfield Specialist School. It is expected to offer a number of new places for pupils with autism and incorporate the existing pupils who are already at the school.