Willmott Dixon has been appointed by Newport City Council to deliver the Bassaleg Comprehensive School upgrade, which will create over 300 extra school places and help to meet demand in the area
The Bassaleg Comprehensive School upgrade was procured using the SEWSCAP3 framework by the council’s property partner Newport Norse, and will see the construction of a three-storey teaching block that contains dining and assembly areas, as well as 3G sports facilities, playing fields and associated external works.
Sustainability will play a key role in the upgrade of Bassaleg Comprehensive School, with the teaching building incorporating a wide range of energy-efficient features, including an enhanced building envelope to maximise airtightness, alongside triple glazed windows.
Furthermore, the roof will feature an array of photovoltaic (PV) solar panels, harnessing renewable energy.
The Bassaleg Comprehensive School upgrade will enhance learning for pupils
Councillor Deb Davies, the council’s cabinet member for education, commented: “Funding from the council and the Sustainable Communities for Learning programme has given us an opportunity to improve the environment for pupils which in turn will enhance the learning experience.
“It also helps us to respond to the increase demand for places as our city continues to grow.”
‘Delivering low carbon facilities for the education sector’
Ian Jones, director at Willmott Dixon added: “We are delighted to be working with Newport City Council at Bassaleg School where we will bring our significant experience delivering low carbon facilities for the education sector.
“Working with Newport City Council and Newport Norse, the school’s redevelopment will benefit not just pupils and staff, but the wider community.
“Willmott Dixon has a commitment to engage the communities where it builds. This is reflected in the work we are already undertaking with the school, and also the strong links our team and our supply chain partners have to Bassaleg School and the surrounding community.”
The Bassaleg Comprehensive School upgrade is the latest scheme to be delivered with matched funding from the Welsh Government through its Sustainable Communities for Learning Programme.
The scheme also marks the latest milestone in Willmott Dixon’s sustainable schools building programme, where the company has committed to ensuring all new building projects and major refurbishments will achieve net zero operational carbon by 2030.
