Morgan Sindall Construction and Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council are marking major progress in the transformative Net Zero Carbon refurbishment of Pen-y-Dre High School, with full completion scheduled for 2026.

Described as one of Wales's most ambitious school refurbishment projects, the scheme is revolutionising the 1970s-built secondary school into a cutting-edge educational facility, all while keeping the school fully operational throughout the three-year programme.

Spanning 11,250m², the extensive refurbishment works include new roofing, cladding, windows, and doors, alongside full mechanical and electrical upgrades, internal alterations and finishes, fixed furniture, and expansive external improvements. Delivered in six carefully phased stages, the programme is designed to minimise disruption for students and staff.

A standout feature of the project is the installation of a large photovoltaic (PV) array, a key component in achieving the school's Net Zero Carbon status. Not only will the system power the school, but it will also supply surplus energy via direct wire connection to the nearby Prince Charles Hospital and Goetre project. Already, the project has saved 619 tonnes of carbon through operational efficiencies.

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The decision to refurbish rather than rebuild was underpinned by environmental considerations. This approach has resulted in four times less carbon impact compared to a new build and preserved much-loved facilities such as the swimming pool, two dining halls and two sports halls.

The delivery team, comprising Lawray Architects, Cambria (civil and structural engineers), WSP and High Admit (MEP services), and Mark Morant Sustainable Design (Net Zero Carbon consultant), has tackled a series of complex challenges — including asbestos, structural repairs, and contamination — while improving circulation by widening corridors across the school.

The project has also delivered exceptional social value, smashing key performance targets across the board. Achievements to date include 3,389 new entrant training opportunities, ranging from graduate roles to student work placements, as well as the creation of 42 new jobs. Notably, 95% of the workforce has been recruited from within the SEWSCAP region, reinforcing the scheme’s commitment to the local economy.

The Pen-y-Dre project aligns with the Welsh Government's vision for sustainable education infrastructure, and the lessons learned here are expected to inform similar future refurbishment schemes across the country.

Robert Williams, Area Director at Morgan Sindall Construction in Wales, said: "This key milestone at Pen-y-Dre High School marks the culmination of an extraordinary three-year journey. This has been a truly pioneering project - the scale and complexity of delivering such a comprehensive transformation within a live school environment cannot be overstated, and our teams have responded with exceptional skill and dedication throughout.

"What makes this project especially significant is the legacy it leaves behind - not only are we creating a world-class educational facility for future generations, but we’re also setting a powerful example of how sustainable refurbishment can dramatically reduce carbon impact, preserve valued community assets, and deliver meaningful benefits for the local economy."