Willmott Dixon has been selected by Newport City Council to deliver significant improvements to Bassaleg Comprehensive School that will create over 300 extra school places.

Procured using the SEWSCAP3 framework by the council's property partner Newport Norse, the project will see the creation of a three-storey teaching block which 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 development, with the teaching building incorporating a wide range of energy efficient methodologies, including an enhanced building envelope to maximise air tightness, alongside triple glazed windows. Furthermore, the roof will feature an array of photovoltaic (PV) solar panels, harnessing renewable energy.

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At a turf cutting to celebrate the start of the project, Councillor Jane Mudd, Leader of Newport City Council, said: "The improvements being carried out in Bassaleg are part of a multi-million pound investment in our schools and education by the council and Welsh Government."

Councillor Deb Davies, the council’s cabinet member for education, added: "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."