Stanley Special School in Thingwall and Pensby Primary School in Pensby will share a new building and benefit from shared facilities including swimming and hydrotherapy pools.

Wates was awarded the contract by Wirral Council through the North West Construction Hub procurement framework.

John Shannon, business unit director of Wates Construction in the North West, said: “It is our intention to utilise our presence on the Wirral to create additional learning opportunities for young people and local residents.

“Thanks to the efficient and effective procurement process through the North West Construction Hub we are set to get cracking straight away.”

Cllr Ann McLachlan, Wirral’s cabinet member for children’s services and lifelong learning, said: “This is going to be a stunning facility, and will benefit both mainstream pupils and those with special needs.

This is the department’s first co-location school project to be developed and I am sure the project will bring wonderful opportunities to all pupils.”