A ceremonial golden bolt has been fitted to Newfield Autism Centre, which is currently being constructed by Robertson North West.

The £4.8m specialist autism centre will accommodate 60 pupils and will lie adjacent to the existing school on Old Bank Lane and is expected to be completed in February 2018.

Construction of the new, purpose-built school centre for children with autism began in March.  The insertion of the last bolt signified the completion of the steel structure, with work now starting on the next phase of the project.

Construction on the building stopped briefly for the ‘Golden Bolt Ceremony’, which was attended by students that will go to the new centre, members of Blackburn and Darwen Council and the Robertson North West team.

Commenting on the project’s progress, Darren Stirling, Robertson North West Operations Director, said: “The fitting of the golden bolt is always a clear indication that the construction is progressing well and we are excited to deliver a centre that will be extremely beneficial to the local community.

“The team is working hard to ensure that this important building is completed on time and to the highest standard.”

Councillor Dave Harling, Blackburn with Darwen Council’s Executive Member for Schools and Education, said: “This ceremony shows we are getting ever closer to realising this centre which will provide fantastic facilities for children and young people with autism.

“Work is progressing well and we are very proud to be building this facility in the borough.”

The building will have 10 classrooms and will be run by staff at Newfield Specialist School. It is expected to offer a number of new places for pupils with autism and incorporate the existing pupils that are already at the school.