The new sports hall and refurbished Resource Centre at the Maelor School in Penley have been officially opened by the Mayor of Wrexham Cllr Ian Roberts.
The sports hall’s design includes rainwater harvesting, airsource heat pumps and combined heat and power technology. To protect the building against unnecessary damage the elevations are made of brickwork to the lower panels and casings to all steel columns. Translucent panels have been used to all walls at high levels and are very effective in allowing natural light into the inner area. Wind catchers have been used to incorporate natural ventilation into the design.
The new Resource Centre has been remodelled at the site of the previous gym and both facilities are being widely used by pupils and staff.
Eiddwyn Hall, headteacher at the school welcomed everyone to the event and said:
“This is a very proud day for the school as we open not only a brand new sports hall but also a completely refurbished Resource Centre. Both facilities were considered essential in order for the school to enhance its learning experience for children to ensure they reach their full potential. We are grateful for the investment by the local authority and look forward to continuing and improving on the already significant achievements the school has made.”
Cllr Ron Davies, Wrexham Council’s Lead Member for Children and Young People who attended the event said:
“I am very pleased to be here today and would like to congratulate everyone involved in ensuring the success of this project. Wrexham Council has committed to improving the educational attainment and outcomes for its young people and in order to do this it is essential we provide educational environments that are fit for the 21st Century. I know the staff, pupils and governors are very pleased with all the works that have taken place and wish them all well in the future.”
The building was built to BRE Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM), the leading and most widely used environmental assessment standard for buildings.
Building work was undertaken by contractors Paveways.
Other improvement works at the school include a window replacement programme completed, toilets refurbished and repairs and maintenance to the roof.
