Ardnashee College

Woodvale Construction Company Ltd was appointed by the Department of Education to carry out works on a single-storey school, designed by Samuel Stevenson & Sons.

The existing Foyle Academy Junior School buildings were demolished following a fire. The Education Authority undertook the removal of foundations, basement accommodation, and the boiler house prior to this contract, leaving a crushed concrete surface for the construction works to commence.

Ardnashee College is an extensive single-storey Special Education School designed to meet the needs of 340 pupils aged 3-19 with Profound, Moderate, and Severe Learning Difficulties. This project also includes associated mechanical and electrical services, siteworks, and drainage.

Over the 31-month duration of the project, the Woodvale Construction team maintained a strong focus on safety, quality, and meeting deadlines. Our ability to work closely with the Samuel Stevenson & Sons Project Manager and the Education Authority and to adapt to evolving requirements was key to the success of this project. The collaborative efforts from all parties ensured we met the ambitious budget and timeline, ultimately delivering a school that will provide an outstanding learning environment for students.

Key Features:

• Classrooms, offices, and storerooms
• School Meals Accommodation
• Reception area with a large canopy for weather protection
• Private toilet areas
• Sensory rooms
• Hydrotherapy pool
• Various hard and soft play areas, including a zip line
• Fitness suite
• Hygiene rooms, including sensory baths and Japanese toilets
• Rebound therapy room
• Landscaping and car parking facilities
• Natural gas-fired condensing boilers
• BMS control system

The project also provided significant local employment, delivering 1,197 employment weeks to apprentices, placement students, and unemployed individuals from the local community.

The project was awarded an impressive 44/45 rating from the Considerate Constructors Scheme.

The building was constructed to achieve BREEAM Excellent accreditation, demonstrating our commitment to sustainability and high environmental standards.

The project was successfully completed and handed over in February 2025.

We are proud to have delivered this much-needed Special Education Needs facility, providing essential support to the L’Derry community.

This project was awarded the CEF “Education Project of the Year” 2025