22/6/2023

Thecontract to carry out the enabling works associated with thedevelopment of new build accommodation for Willows High School has been awarded to Morgan Sindall Construction,  Cardiff Council can announce.

The enabling works is a £3.4m investment towardsthe latest scheme to be delivered under Cardiff Council and Welsh Government'sBand B, Sustainable Communities for Learning programme which will see the existing school relocated and rebuilt on land off Lewis Road, Splott.

The new secondary school will offer comprehensive sports facilities, including sports hall, gym, drama studio and grass pitches which will be available for public use outside school hours. 

Subject to planning and procurement, construction of the new campus is expected to start in Autumn 2023. 

Morgan Sindall Construction have been chosen to undertake the enabling works associated with the scheme, which include;

• A stopping up order on Lewis Road and relevant highways works, to allow development to take place
• Construction of active travel routes to the eastern perimeter of site
• Installation of new utilities and relocation of existing services
• Excavation and groundworks including the removal of contaminated material following disturbance of ground
• Demolition of existing buildings located on Portmanmor Road and at Splott Market site
• Installation of secure fencing around site boundary

The contractors will alsotake the design of the main school forward, under a Pre  services contract.

Deputy Leader of Cardiff Council, and Cabinet Member for Education, Employment and Skills, Cllr Sarah Merry, said: "The enabling works associated with this project are an integral part of the development and the awarding of this contract is an exciting milestone in establishing a brand new home for Willows High School.

"When complete, the new school will provide exceptional facilities, expertise and teaching opportunities for students, staff and the community, representing a significant investment in the local area."

Proposals for the main construction of the new school include;

• Relocating and rebuilding the school on three parcels of land at Splott Market and Portmanmoor Road; including access to the 3G pitches at the former tennis centre and providing enough space for the new school without taking away any existing open space.
• Providing pupils with access to a high-quality learning environment to support and enhance teaching and learning.
• A community focussed school with facilities available for use by the whole community outside of core school hours.
• Enhanced pedestrian facilities to support active travel arrangements on the Lewis Road site
• Capacity for 900 places for learners aged 11 to 16, in line with the projected demand
• Pupils to remain at the existing Willows High School site until the new school build is complete to minimise the potential for disruption

Rob Williams, Area Director at Morgan Sindall Construction, said: "It's a real privilege to be awarded the contract for the enabling works at Willows High School in the vibrant city of Cardiff, which will pave the way for a 900-place secondary school. 

"We're very proud to play a role in the council's investment in the next generation and the development plans for Willows High School will have a real impact on the education and future of young people in Splott and the surrounding area. 

"This school is a further example of our commitment to creating additional school places and improvements across Wales, ensuring children receive the best chance to reach their full potential through the environments in which they learn."