Multi-million pound redevelopment
A multi-million pound redevelopment of outdoor education centres in North Yorkshire is now underway – after being designed by architects at Align Property Partners.
Construction work has begun on the £4.2 million scheme to redevelop and upgrade the centres run by North Yorkshire Council.
The exciting improvements were designed by Align, whose architects, sustainability experts and engineers have helped deliver over £500 million worth of projects across the UK.
Council-owned Align’s recent work includes designing the new Oakbridge Church of England Primary School in Northallerton which opened this summer, as well as the modern multi-faith chapel at Darlington Crematorium in 2023.
The first phase of this exciting project will see the development at two flagship outdoor education centres – Bewerley Park in Pateley Bridge and East Barnby near Whitby – that have hosted residential learning experiences for children across the county for decades.
The improvements at Bewerley Park in the Nidderdale National Landscape, Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, will include the creation of a new 95-bed accommodation block which is due to be completed by next summer.
Work to modernise the East Barnby site, which is soon to begin, is set to see low carbon technologies introduced and changes to the dining and all accommodation blocks.
Ron Walton, managing director at Align, said: “This redevelopment will be enjoyed by generations of children, and we are proud to have played our part designing these brilliant new facilities.
“Our architects alongside the council’s Outdoor Learning Service and Property Service have done a magnificent job.
“With construction work now underway, I am excited to see this project really come to life – to the benefit of communities across North Yorkshire.”
The council’s executive member for education, learning and skills, Cllr Annabel Wilkinson, said: “I am so pleased that work has started on the new accommodation block at this fantastic facility.
“Over the years hundreds of children and young people from schools and other groups far and wide have had a taste of adventure in the picturesque North Yorkshire surroundings of Bewerley Park, coming away with new-found confidence, friendships and memories that will last a lifetime.
“The redevelopment demonstrates our commitment to outdoor learning experiences and will provide modern and comfortable accommodation for schools, clubs and groups to enjoy for decades.”
You can find out more about the project here – https://www.northyorks.gov.uk/news/2024/work-begins-create-outdoor-learning-facilities-fit-21st-century.
