Abercynon Community Primary School

This project involved construction of a new 420-place community primary school, with special educational needs provision. The work included a new public library and community centre, an associated access road, vehicle parking, MUGA sports pitch, hard and soft play areas, and landscaping.

The new school is a two-storey structure with a supporting retaining wall which spans the structure along the rear of the building. The building fabric includes a steel frame with steel-metsec framing system external walls, and a blockwork and render finish.

The site had a number of restrictions including: overhead cables to the entrance, low bridge adjacent to the site, one-way traffic to the entrance, and an adjacent railway line. In addition invasive plant species and bats were identified within the boundary of the site.

The site also featured a Grade 2 listed war memorial which was retained to become the focus of a new public space area.

The works included the demolition and removal of an existing infant school and existing community education facilities.

“This is a modern, sustainable and environmentally-friendly school that is of high quality and children educated in such surroundings can achieve and realise their potential.”

Councillor Eudine Hanagan, cabinet member for education, Rhondda Cynon Taff County Borough Council

Sustainability

The project achieved a BREEAM rating of Excellent and an Energy Performance Certificate A rating.

Sustainability features include a biomass boiler with under-floor heating. The scheme was designed to maximise natural lighting and ventilation.

An invasive species management scheme was introduced as part of the works.

Willmott Dixon placed 85% of subcontract orders locally, and 87% of waste was diverted from landfill.