Kier has been appointed to deliver multiple net zero and all-electric developments in Scotland and Wales, including a £25m teaching block and £30m mortuary
Kier has been appointed by Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council to build a new £25m net zero carbon teaching block in south Wales.
The Hawthorn All-Through School project will deliver new facilities for staff and pupils from Heol y Celyn English Medium Primary, Hawthorn Primary and Hawthorn High.
On-site renewable energy sources have been installed to achieve net zero carbon in operation
It has been designed to achieve net zero carbon in operation by installing on-site renewable energy sources, such as air source heat pumps and photovoltaic panels, alongside the purchase of renewable electricity from an energy supplier.
Three of the school’s existing buildings will be demolished to make way for a new teaching block which will comprise 27 classrooms, a staff room, offices, reception area, therapy room, library, ICT suite, meeting rooms, DT and music areas and two new multi-use games areas, which are in addition to the existing one and current all-weather pitch.
A new car park and pick up-drop off spaces will also be built, as well as a designated bus drop off zone.
The project has been procured through the SEWSCAP framework and work is expected to be completed in 2025.
Jason Taylor, regional director at Kier, said: “This project presents a unique opportunity to provide not one but three schools with state-of-the-art facilities which will be a significant asset to the community of Pontypridd for generations to come.
“With the recently completed Ffynnon Taf Primary School just 10 minutes down the road using a nearby hot spring to heat its classrooms, this project further demonstrates our commitment to providing sustainable buildings in south Wales.”
The project is part of a wider £75.6m education investment across Greater Pontypridd
Councillor Rhys Lewis, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Cabinet Member with responsibility for Education, added: “I’m delighted that Kier has been appointed as the contractor to deliver this fantastic school development for Hawthorn. This is part of our wider £75.6m education investment across the Greater Pontypridd area, in partnership with Welsh Government’s Sustainable Communities for Learning Programme.
“The Council and Kier have an excellent partnership having successfully delivered the new teaching block at Ffynnon Taf Primary School for the current school year. I’m looking forward to seeing the Hawthorn 3-16 development progress in the months ahead – and like all of our new school builds, the project aims to achieve Net Zero carbon in operation.”
Kier to deliver all-electric £30m Aberdeen Integrated Mortuary
Kier has been appointed by Aberdeen City Council and NHS Grampian to deliver the new £30m Aberdeen Integrated Mortuary at the Foresterhill Health Camp to improve dignity for the deceased and provide an enhanced environment for the bereaved and staff.
The new two-storey all-electric building will provide family consultation and private areas; post-mortem rooms; body storage; meeting rooms; an office for Police Scotland and a teaching and museum area. There will also be X-ray and CT scanner capabilities.
The building will have over 600m2 of solar panels and is highly insulated to minimise heat loss and ventilation. The heating, lighting and hot water systems are designed to be highly efficient.
Phil McDowell, regional director at Kier Construction North & Scotland, added: “We are working closely with Aberdeen City Council and NHS Grampian to provide this much-needed facility for the community. It is important that in such difficult times, those that have lost a loved one have access to the best local amenities they deserve.”
Aberdeen City Council Convener of Communities, Housing and Public Protection, Miranda Radley said: “It is good to see the collaboration between many organisations with a building that is fit for purpose, works for staff, and improves educational facilities.
“We welcome the contribution from the Scottish Government toward the project as being an innovative pathology learning facility in Scotland.”
The project will deliver social sustainability outcomes
NHS Grampian executive director of infrastructure and sustainability, Paul Allen said: “It is a considerable accomplishment for the design to have been taken forward through this historically unusual period.
“The team is pleased with the development and to be working on such a complex, multi-functional and multi-agency project.”
The project will deliver strong social sustainability outcomes, with Kier committed to meeting a number of targets which are tailored to the needs of the local community. These will include the creation of new jobs, work placements, educational engagement activities, training/upskilling and volunteering within the local community.
Work is due to be completed in Spring 2024.
