Work starts next week on the refurbishment of the MyPlace building, located at Parkfield, to get it ready for Mayfield College’s relocation there from September.

This first phase of works, to strip out a science lab, begins on Monday (28 July) and will be completed by September. MW Benney is the contractor for this phase.

The work will allow for the special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) college to partially move in for the autumn term as part of a staggered move.

Further works will start in October with completion earmarked for April 2026.

The remaining students will move into MyPlace in time for the start of the summer 2026 term. The college is currently based at Occombe House but has outgrown that site.

The decision to relocate Mayfield College to the MyPlace building was approved at the beginning of the year by our Cabinet.

The sports hall and classrooms will remain as spaces for the community to use in the evenings, weekends and school holidays.

The move is being funded by high needs provision capital allocations. This is government money paid to local councils to support the provision of new places and improve existing provision for children with SEND or requiring alternative provision.

The new campus will feature cutting-edge technology, dedicated spaces for extracurricular activities, and a welcoming environment that encourages collaboration and innovation.

Mayfield headteacher Stuart Heron said: “The move to Parkfield represents a new chapter for Mayfield College. We are excited about the opportunities this new location will bring, not only in terms of improved facilities but also in fostering a stronger sense of community among our students, staff and wider stakeholders.

“The relocation is part of a broader initiative to enhance the college's infrastructure and provide students with the best possible resources for their academic and personal growth.”

Space became available at MyPlace when the Medical Tuition Service announced it would be relinquishing its lease. It provides education for children who can’t attend school due to medical reasons.

Councillor Nick Bye, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, said: “Mayfield’s move to the MyPlace building will bring benefits for students and staff with state-of-the-art facilities.

“I’m delighted that we’re able to use SEND funding to enable Mayfield to continue to thrive and offer the best opportunities for young people.”

Parkfield was built as a dedicated space for community youth services and includes a BMX track, skate park and the MyPlace building.

We're in the process of leasing MyPlace to People’s Parkfield CIC. People’s Parkfield currently manages the wider Parkfield site and the older Parkfield House building closer to Paignton seafront.

People’s Parkfield CIC director Allen Johnson said the group was looking forward to working alongside its new tenants on what will be an exciting project.

He said: “Having Mayfield as the new anchor tenant for this important building dovetails perfectly with our mission to put MyPlace at the very heart of the local community.

“The People’s Parkfield estate is a great asset for Torbay, and we and the many other organisations that use it look forward to working with Mayfield to secure the best possible outcomes for everyone involved.”