Exciting new era for Rhondda Cynon Taf Education as £10.2 million Hirwaun Primary hands over

The full handover of Rhondda Cynon Taf’s new £10.2 million Hirwaun Primary School marks the start of an exciting new era for staff and pupils, according to local councillors who have praised Morgan Sindall Construction for its work to keep the project on schedule throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Morgan Sindall Construction team completed work on the new main building last November, allowing pupils and staff to move in. In the months since, the site team has demolished the old school structures and created two Multi Use Games Areas (MUGAs), a grass sports field, bike storage, and a car park. They have also created a large wildlife area that will be used as a teaching space to help children to interact with nature.

Located on Glanant Street, the new Hirwaun Primary School was commissioned by Rhondda Cynon Taf Council (RCT) to replace the existing school’s aging facilities. The new building now supports 210 vital additional school and nursery spaces. It has the capacity to extend to accommodate double that number to meet future demand.

The project was procured through the third-iteration of the four-year, £1 billion South East and Mid Wales Collaborative Construction Framework (SEWSCAP). Morgan Sindall Construction was appointed to all four lots it tendered for on the framework in 2019, having successfully delivered projects through SEWSCAP since its first iteration in 2010. The scheme was jointly funded by RCT Council and Welsh Government through their 21st Century Schools and Colleges programme.

As part of an extensive social value action plan for the project, 90% of spend was placed with businesses in Wales

In keeping with Morgan Sindall Construction’s commitment to eliciting social value for the communities in which it operates. 21 new-entrant construction jobs were also created through the scheme, as well as 10 new-entrant apprenticeships.

The single-storey main building measures 28,158 square feet. Designed by the architect, Boyes Rees Architects, the building’s layout forms a unique ‘L’ shape, to create distinct learning spaces for foundation phase and junior pupils.

Inside the building are 14 classrooms, a community room and a separate childcare setting for pre-nursery children. There is also an assembly hall, featuring acoustic boards in various colours, which doubles as a dining area and sports area. Staff amenities include a reception area with a headteacher’s office, toilet facilities and a large staff room.

Sustainable construction: some of the features of the project

100% of environmental waste generated during construction was diverted from landfill, and the new build has been rated ‘Excellent’ by the sustainability assessment method, BREEAM. As part of its environmentally friendly design, PV-solar panels have been installed on the school’s roof. In addition, a storage tank has been installed underground for green-water harvesting. This can store up to 50,000 litres of rainwater and is being used as a sustainable drainage option for the school’s toilets.

Construction began on the school in September 2019, with the project handing over on time, despite disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. All building work was carried out in line with guidelines set out by the Construction Leadership Council (CLC).

Robert Williams, Area Director for Morgan Sindall Construction, said: “We are incredibly pleased to have fully handed over Hirwaun Primary School. While completing the demolition and external works, it’s been gratifying to see how much staff and pupils are enjoying the new modern learning environment.

“The new school epitomises the drive for modern, inspiring learning spaces to nurture the development of bright young minds; as set out in the Welsh government’s 21st-century schools plan. But supporting future generations goes above and beyond the provision of first-class teaching facilities. We all collectively have a responsibility to ensure these additions to the built environment are made with the least environmental impact possible. RCT Council is a great client to work for as they share our commitment to carbon reduction and achieving the highest sustainability standards.”

Councillor Joy Rosser, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Cabinet Member for Education and Inclusion Services, said: “I’m delighted the outdoor areas of Hirwaun Primary School are now complete, which has fully-delivered the transformational £10.2m investment for the school and the wider community – marking the project handover from contractor Morgan Sindall to the Council.

“I had the pleasure of visiting staff and pupils using their new facilities in November 2020 and it was great to see how the fantastic new environment is a clear upgrade on the former school buildings, bringing with it exciting new opportunities for pupils in their learning. This is the latest 21st Century Schools project to be delivered with significant support from Welsh Government – as the Council continues to facilitate investment in Education as a priority area.

“I’d like to thank the project team at Morgan Sindall Construction for their delivery of the Hirwaun Primary School investment. They have worked very closely with the school and the Council to deliver these wonderful new facilities on time, with as minimal disruption as possible – and in the COVID-19 pandemic with the challenges that brought. They have delivered an exciting new era for the school and left a lasting legacy for future generations in Hirwaun to enjoy.”

• For more information about this news release please contact Jonathan Daly at Influential on 07881301437 or email [email protected]