A multi-million pound project to build a state-of-the-art new special school in Cardiff has been recognised with an award for construction and architectural excellence.
The new Ty Gwyn Special School in Caerau, which was developed as part of the Council’s schools organisation plan, has scooped the top award in the Best Public/Community Building category at the Local Authority Building Control awards.
The £16m Special School development opened in September 2010 and replaces the old facility in Penylan. The school can accommodate 150 pupils with severe disabilities, aged three to 19 and its facilities include classrooms, hydrotherapy facilities, medical and therapy support rooms, soft play and sensory rooms and specialised recreational facilities.
The development has created a campus-style site in Caerau with Glyn Derw High School, Trelai Primary School, Woodlands High School and Riverbank School, characterised by a collegiate approach between the facilities, both mainstream and special, that will enable the best use of resources and the development of integrated services for the benefit of children, young people and their families.
Projects Design & Development, the Council’s in-house design team including architects, engineers and project managers, designed and delivered the scheme with Cowlin Construction fulfilling the role of Design and Build Contractor. This highly acclaimed project has also been recognised by Constructing Excellence Wales as a ‘Demonstration Project’ and has been shortlisted in this year’s CEW Awards.
The development has received ‘Secured by Design’ accreditation in consultation with South Wales Police Authority and has been built to exemplar environmental BREEAM excellent standard, working closely with the Carbon Trust to enhance sustainability and good energy practices.
The LABC South Wales Building Excellence Award scheme, now in its eighth year, recognises local construction projects which have had a positive impact on the built environment and which have achieved excellence in design and construction techniques relating to Building Control. The scheme emphasises the importance of Local Authority Building Control in achieving high standards.
Executive Member for Education and Lifelong Learning, Cllr Freda Salway, said: “Ty Gwyn is a magnificent facility that truly is second to none. We are extremely proud to have such an outstanding provision in Cardiff which is a fantastic asset for vulnerable children and their families, providing them high quality surroundings to meet their needs.
“I’m very pleased that this project has been recognised as the landmark provision it is. Congratulations to all involved in the project.”
