A major Vale of Glamorgan Council schools scheme has become a ‘demonstration project’ highlighting best practice in the construction industry.
Recognition for the £21.5m redevelopment project at Cowbridge Comprehensive School has come from Constructing Excellence Wales, the umbrella organisation for the construction industry in the Principality.
The redevelopment of Cowbridge Comprehensive, which is expected to be completed by September this year, is central to the delivery of the council’s School Investment Strategy. It involves, for the first time, the entire school being located on one site at Aberthin Road.
Three key areas – predictability of cost and time, use of local labour and collaborative working – were key areas during project assessment, and Vale Council operational manager (property services) Jane Wade said: “The council is delighted that the development has been recognised as an exemplar project demonstrating best practice in procurement and construction and the commitment of all participants to the council’s key objectives of delivering a quality project on time and within budget.”
The accreditation process included an on site review and presentation involving a cross section of peers working within the industry, including colleagues from other local authorities, consultants and contractors. Following the review, the project was assessed and accepted as a ‘demonstration project’ by the Constructing Excellence National Board in London.
Jane added: “A follow up presentation will be made towards the end of the project to report on the ongoing performance of the team. This will be measured through the use of key performance indicators which also assist in ensuring the team remain focused to meet the objectives of both the council and the school.”
Margaret Evans, head teacher at Cowbridge Comprehensive School, said: “This is a very challenging project for the school and for the contractors. However, the close collaboration and the trust which has developed between all members of the project team means that the staff and governors of the school are very confident that from September 2010, we will have school premises and facilities which will be a source of pride for our pupils, parents and the wider community.”
For more information on Cowbridge Comprehensive you can visit the school’s website.
