Construction has started on a new college building at the Seashell Trust in Cheadle Hulme.

Seashell provides support and education to young people with complex disabilities, on their dedicated campus off Stanley Road.

The new college block replaces an older building on site, which is no longer fit for purpose.

That older building has been demolished, and students are currently using another building on the site until they can move into the new block.

HRH The Duchess of Edinburgh visited Seashell in May and broke the first ground for the new college building (Image - Seashell Trust)

It will house up to 80 students, and will feature specialist classrooms and activity areas, fitness facilities, a cafe, and more.

HRH The Duchess of Edinburgh visited Seashell on 15 May, and cut the first sod for the building work.

The new building cost £22 million, and is expected to open in Autumn 2025. Eric Wright Construction is building the project.

"We're really pleased to have started on the delivery of this superb new college building", said James Eager, director lead from Eric Wright Construction.

Proposed elevations for the new college building (Image - Faulkner Browns Architects, via SMBC planning portal)

He added: "[It] will really enhance the lives of the students and staff alike. The building has gone through a painstaking design and review process in collaboration with the trust's teaching team, with every element of its design tailored to meet the needs of the students."   

Brandon Leigh, chief executive at Seashell, said: "Watching the building finally start to take shape is exciting and we can't wait to see students and staff enjoying the building very soon.

"The new college building will mean improved accessibility for students and will be much better at meeting the needs of the young adults with complex disabilities who come to Seashell. Seeing the building complete will be a monumental point in our history."

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