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Image of the proposed Whitmore School to be built by Morgan Sindall Construction in Barry Wales

Morgan Sindall Construction wins £29 million Whitmore High School contract

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Morgan Sindall Construction has been selected to deliver a £29 million secondary school in Barry, South Wales, which will accommodate 1,100 pupils.

Vale of Glamorgan Council has appointed the company through the South East and Mid Wales Collaborative Construction Framework (SEWSCAP), as part of Wales’ 21st Century Schools Programme for investment in education.

The proposed new build will replace the existing Whitmore High School, which currently supports 905 pupils. The current school will remain open for the duration of the construction period, before being demolished.

Teaching space will be spread across three storeys, with 70 general classrooms and two drama and activity studios encompassed within the 11,000 metre square site. An inclusive ALN suite will also serve to support students with additional learning needs.

Sporting facilities are provided through both indoor and outdoor spaces, with an all-weather pitch and multi-use games court. A central courtyard has been designated for used for group learning and informal use.

There will also be a state-of-the-art music studio, an art learning resource centre, multi-functional hall with retractable seating, and large dining area.

The building is targeting a BREEAM Excellent rating with sustainability an important part of the local authority’s brief.

Work will start on the site in autumn 2019 and is expected to complete by spring 2022.

Rob Williams, area director at Morgan Sindall Construction, said: “This project represents a significant investment in the education offer for people in Barry and one we’re well placed to deliver. Morgan Sindall Construction is one of the most active school-builders across Wales. We have a track record of designing and building modern, inspirational teaching environments, fit for 21st century education and relish briefs like this.
“By using the SEWSCAP framework, Vale of Glamorgan Council has benefited from an efficient and reliable procurement process, reducing the time from planning to delivery considerably.”
Councillor Lis Burnett, Vale of Glamorgan Council Cabinet Member for Education and Regeneration, said: “We’re delighted to announce Morgan Sindall Construction as the preferred bidders to deliver Whitmore High School’s new building. This exciting project will help provide state-of-the-art facilities for school pupils and is part of extensive investment in education as part of the Council’s 21st Century Schools programme.”

Morgan Sindall Construction was appointed to four lots on the new £1 billion South East & Mid Wales collaborative construction framework (SEWSCAP) earlier this summer.

The four-year framework will be used by more than 20 Welsh councils and public bodies for schools, leisure facilities and municipal buildings.

  • For more information about this news release please contact Helena Young or Jonathan Daly at Influential on 0161 804 1400 or email young@thisisinfluential.com