Morgan Sindall Construction's Wales business has celebrated the opening of SEN Portfield School in Haverfordwest, marking the completion of the main phase of new build works. The £25 million project delivers a facility designed to be carbon net zero in operation.

To mark the occasion, representatives from the Morgan Sindall project team and Pembrokeshire County Council gathered at the site for official speeches, refreshments, and a tour of the new campus.

Procured through the South West Wales Regional Contractors Framework and delivered in collaboration with engineering consultants AtkinsRéalis, the first phase of the project focused on transforming and extending the existing footprint. The single-storey school has been engineered to provide specialist educational provision for pupils with additional needs, incorporating therapy rooms, sensory rooms, treatment rooms, and a main hall equipped with a retractable trampoline. Outdoors, pupils can access a new Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA) play space within a cohesive, campus-like design.

The physical structure features a steel frame with a brickwork finish and Vieo cladding to ensure durability. Additionally, the project team converted a former vacant bus lay-by into a designated car park providing over 100 spaces, including 10 reserved for accessible parking.

The school achieves its net-zero operational status through an integrated sustainability strategy featuring solar panels, air source heat pumps, specialized wall build-ups, high-performance fabric insulation, and low-energy light fittings.

-- Advertisement --

Furthermore, Morgan Sindall implemented its '10 Tonne Carbon Challenge', which mandates project teams to collaborate with consultants and the supply chain to eliminate at least 10 tonnes of carbon from the construction process itself. To date, this initiative has saved 11.2 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e), surpassing the initial target. To manage and verify these metrics throughout the building's life cycle, the contractor deployed its proprietary carbon calculation and assessment tool, CarboniCa.

The project delivered significant social value within the region, with 95% of the supply chain budget spent locally and 86% of subcontractors hired from the local area.

To support the next generation of construction professionals, the site team employed two graduates and hosted two work experience placement students from Pembrokeshire College for a five-week period. Morgan Sindall also engaged with Cyfle College and hosted interactive site visits for local students to showcase careers in the sector.

The second phase of works is on track to complete in early 2027. This upcoming stage will include the demolition of older structures, construction of a new respite block, and the complete remodelling of the SEN Sixth Form block.

The development progressed after Pembrokeshire County Council acquired the land adjacent to Portfield School, which became available following the relocation of previous schools. This development marks Morgan Sindall's third major collaboration with Pembrokeshire County Council, following the successful deliveries of Haverfordwest High VC School and Ysgol Gymraeg Bro Penfro.

Robert Williams, Area Director for Morgan Sindall Construction in Wales, said: "It's a real privilege to hand over the new Portfield School SEN facilities. This milestone reflects the hard work and commitment of our Morgan Sindall team, and it's been fantastic to work with the Pembrokeshire County Council team to bring the project to life.

"The new facilities will make a lasting difference – providing children and staff with a high-quality learning environment that offers the support pupils need to thrive and be inspired. With the growing demand for specialist education, it's incredibly meaningful to help deliver the school places that local families need."

Leader of Pembrokeshire County Council, Cllr Jon Harvey, described the completion of the first phase as an important moment for the school and the wider community.

Headteacher Sarah Hartley added: "We are delighted with the new provision for our pupils at Portfield School. It represents a significant step forward in ensuring every pupil has access to an inclusive, supportive and inspiring learning environment where they can thrive.

"As Headteacher, I am incredibly proud of how well the pupils have transitioned into the new site and adapted so quickly to their new learning environment. I am very excited to be working alongside a dedicated team of staff who share the same passion for inclusive education. Together we will build a school community where every young person can flourish."