WORK has officially begun on a major project to build a new college site.

A budget of £21.6 million has been allocated to the project that will see new facilities built at Woodlands Meed College in Burgess Hill.

The West Sussex County Council project will see the existing college replaced with brand new facilities to benefit young people with special educational needs and disabilities.

The new facilities will provide addition space for students and will be more suitable for pupils with mobility issues.

The Argus: Drawings of the new Woodlands Meed College site in Burgess Hill Drawings of the new Woodlands Meed College site in Burgess Hill

Other features will also include 12 new classrooms for design, technology, music, science and food tech, as well as sporting facilities including all-weather pitches, a two-court sports hall and accessible changing facilities.

A new hydrotherapy pool, outside learning and play areas, an outside gym, planting areas, courtyard and amphitheatre space will also be built.

West Sussex County Council cabinet member for learning and skills Nigel Jupp said everyone is “eager to see the new college take shape”.

“This is an extremely exciting moment for everyone connected with Woodlands Meed and I thank parents, pupils, governors and staff for their patience as outstanding matters were being resolved,” he said.

Site contractor ISG started working on site on Monday morning, where they have begun preparing ahead of the construction works.

The building is scheduled to be completed by spring 2023, with the external works finished by autumn 2023.

The Argus: Woodlands Meed College site in Burgess Hill Woodlands Meed College site in Burgess Hill

“ISG has been chosen to build the new facilities because of their extensive experience and expertise in creating high quality special schools,” Mr Jupp added.

“Woodlands Meed is located next to Birchwood Grove Primary School, and we are grateful to the school for allowing access for contractor vehicles during the build.

“The project has been carefully planned to limit the disruption on pupils at both schools.”