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New contractors for Ysgol Llyn Derw

Friday, 22 November 2024 12:48

By Gareth Joy X @lookoutwales2

Artist's impression

New contractors have been appointed to take over work on a new £22 million special needs school.

Construction work at Ysgol Llyn Derw near Cosmeston Lakes was halted in September following the collapse of the ISG group.

Morgan Sindall will take over the project, which will provide a second site for Penarth's Ysgol y Deri and accommodate around 150 pupils.

A workplan is being put together by the Cardiff-based firm before building work resumes.

Rob Williams, area director of Morgan Sindall Construction in Wales, said: "It’s a real pleasure to be working on Ysgol Llyn Derw such an important facility for the area."

"We can all see the demand for SEND schools rising, so it means a lot for the whole team to work on this specialised learning facility, supporting families and helping the next generation achieve their full potential."

“In collaboration with Vale of Glamorgan Council and Morgan Sindall, this project is set to create an environment that will inspire pupils and provide the support that they need.”

US-owned ISG had been carrying out construction work on the new school for five months, when it fell into administration with the loss of 2,200 jobs.

Vale Council said in September that it remained committed to the Llyn Derw project, prompted by overwhelming demand for additional learning needs provision locally.

The two-storey building will use cutting edge technology to offer bespoke education for pupils with a range of disabilities that vary in complexity - with areas for sport, play, socialising, relaxtion and reflection.

The environmentally-friendly design incorporates solar panels and a hybrid generator to power the school, all built from energy efficient materials to make it carbon netural.

It will also make use of natural light and ventilation where possible, along with green roofs and other features to enhance biodiversity.

Vale Council leader Lis Burnett said: "Ysgol Llyn Derw will provide a much-needed tailor-made environment for pupils that need specialist attention and build on the fantastic work carried out at Ysgol Y Deri’s main site."

"Examples of just what a difference this can make to the lives of children was there for all to see in the BBC documentary, A Special School."

"As well as helping pupils, we also want our schools to benefit the environment. That is in line with the climate emergency declared by the council and our Project Zero commitment to become carbon neutral by 2030."

“Ysgol Llyn Derw has a host of impressive features that make it clean and green, alongside extensive provision for animal and plant life."

“We’re delighted that Morgan-Sindall has agreed to take on this project and look forward to working with them on its delivery.”

The third series of the BAFTA Cymru-nominated A Special School will air on BBC One Wales and BBC iPlayer next month.

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