Hazelbrook Campus, Taunton

Overview

Procured through the Scape Major Works Framework, the Hazelbrook Campus in Taunton is a state-of-the-art Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) school, designed to provide local education for 100 primary and secondary pupils with complex SEND requirements.

The school enhances specialist learning with dedicated therapy suites, sensory rooms, and outdoor learning areas, ensuring pupils receive tailored support to meet their unique educational and developmental needs.

The 2,835m² campus was delivered on time and within budget through collaborative cost management and efficient design processes. The project also incorporated lessons learned from previous SEND projects, ensuring a robust, safe, and highly functional learning environment.

Project Highlights

Specialist SEND Learning Spaces

• 11 classrooms arranged in two wings, centered around a sensory courtyard.

• Specialist teaching rooms for music, drama, STEM, and food technology.

• Therapy suite including: three therapy rooms, dark soft play sensory space, immersive sensory room and medical spaces for student care.

• Multi-purpose hall for school events and activities.

• Wider corridors with dedicated equipment storage, enhancing accessibility.
Durable, Robust & Secure Design

• Resilient materials: brickwork, blockwork, and heavy-duty ironmongery for long-term durability.

• Secure access control and fire strategies, ensuring a safe environment for students and staff.

• Heavy-duty doors with protective positioning, minimizing damage in high-use areas.
Sustainability & Outdoor Learning Spaces

• Adventure play area, sensory garden, bike track, and habitat areas, integrating outdoor learning.

• Quiet play zones to support pupils with sensory sensitivities.

• Durable and replaceable external cladding, reducing long-term maintenance costs.
Community & Social Impact

• Engagement with local students, including construction workshops and hands-on learning.

• Repurposing of an old school building into ‘The Grove’ Sixth Form Centre, featuring: a common room, changing places WC, two new classrooms, mock independent living flat and a student-run café for work experience.

Challenges Overcome

• Budget constraints: original feasibility cost: £10.4m, however the final delivered cost as £7.7m, achieved through collaborative design refinement without compromising quality.

Early design integration ensured all SEND professionals and SCC representatives were included, whilst 3D BIM modeling & workshops provided clear visualizations of the finished building.

Client Feedback

Rob Woolcock, director at Willmott Dixon:

“We are very pleased to be involved in this important project. The Council has a clear vision for the campus and we are delighted to be doing our bit, to help make their vision a reality."

The new campus is a fantastic learning environment for children from Taunton and the surrounding area, providing easier access to education.