Willmott Dixon's Cardiff-based team has secured a new school in Rhondda Cynon Taff which is one of the first contracts to be awarded under a new framework agreement.

The company will deliver the £7.1m Abercynon Primary School for Rhondda Cynon Taf Council, providing capacity for more than 420 pupils. The project is one of the first awarded under the South East Wales Schools Capital Working Group (SEWSCAP) framework, a collaboration between 10 local authorities to deliver education projects in the region over four years.

The new Abercynon Primary School is being constructed on the site of the former Abercynon Infants School and Adult Education Centre, designed to replace out-dated facilities at the former Abercynon Infants School, Abertaf Primary School and Carnetown Primary School. In addition to the school, the project includes a new library and an adjoining community facility to support adult learning and youth services.


Cllr Eudine Hanagan, Cabinet Member for Education, Skills and Learning at Rhondda Cynon Taf Council, said: "This is a significant investment in the community of Abercynon, creating a modern, inspiring new school for pupils that will meet exceptional design and sustainability standards. The cost of building the school is £7.1m, but the overall investment for this community as a result of this project is £11.5m. It forms part of the Council’s substantial programme of improving school facilities for our children and young people."

The project is particularly pioneering for Willmott Dixon because it is the first time the firm has utilised a new Building Information Modelling (BIM) process in Wales. This process was evolved from the aeronautical industry, creating highly detailed computer generated models of a building before work starts. It enables Willmott Dixon to create an interactive 3D model of the project incorporating full design and technical details from all parties, including the architect, subcontractors, M&E and structural engineers to detect discrepancies and identify any issues before and during the construction process.

(CD)