Willmott Dixon has secured the largest project to date on the Orbis Framework, with East Sussex County Council awarding it the £10 million contract to build Reef Way Special School in Hailsham.

The school will provide 80 primary and secondary spaces for pupils aged between 4 and 16 years who have social, emotional, and mental health difficulties, with construction work scheduled to start in summer 2019. It will be the first of its kind in the area and the state-of-the-art facilities include a learning library, classrooms with safe rooms, dining hall and a MUGA pitch.

Willmott Dixon managing director in South London and Southern Homes Counties, Roger Forsdyke, said: “We have significant experience in delivering SEN and SEMH Schools and are thrilled to win our first contract through the Orbis Framework. The early engagement with our customer and inclusion of our design consortium and supply chain partners ensures we have the best possible preparation to deliver this school for East Sussex County Council.”

Project Manager at East Sussex County Council, Annie Atkins, said: “We are delighted to be working with Wilmott Dixon. This new school will make a significant difference to young people with special educational needs who require this specialist provision.”