Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council, Morgan Sindall Construction and representatives from the school have officially begun construction of the new Llangatwg Community School in Cadoxton, Neath, with a turf-cutting ceremony held on Monday 13 July.

The event was attended by Councillor Stephen Hunt, Leader of Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council; Councillor Nia Jenkins, Cabinet Member for Education and Early Years; Councillor Jeremy Hurley, Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Economic Growth; Mrs Lauren Mackie, Headteacher; and Mr Rob Shaw, Assistant Headteacher.

Procured via the South West Wales Regional Contractors Framework (SWWRCF), the scheme will replace existing buildings previously graded Category C- for condition. Completion is targeted for spring 2029, providing modern facilities for up to 850 students.

The design includes general teaching spaces alongside specialist design and technology rooms, hairdressing and construction classrooms, and a sports hall. Outdoor facilities will feature a full-size 3G rugby pitch, a junior 3G football pitch, a three-court multi-use games area and a dedicated 100-metre sprint track.

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The building will be constructed with a traditional steel frame and brickwork and cladding elevations. Morgan Sindall is delivering the scheme with an integrated team including Curtins (consultants), Troup Bywaters + Anders (engineering) and Austin-Smith:Lord (design).

Sustainability measures include maximised roof coverage for photovoltaic solar panels and air source heat pumps throughout, enabling Net Zero Carbon in operation and an EPC A rating on completion.

To drive down embodied carbon, Morgan Sindall will undertake the 10 Tonne Carbon Challenge with its consultants and supply chain, targeting a minimum 10-tonne reduction in emissions. In partnership with K2N, the team will also track energy and water use during construction.

Heritage and biodiversity enhancements form part of the plan: reclaimed bricks and feature timber panelling from the existing main hall will be reused in the new building, while a site stream will be transformed from a concrete channel into a naturalised swale. Externally, there will be a 90-space car park with dedicated car and bus drop-off and pick-up areas.

Robert Williams, Area Director for Morgan Sindall Construction in Wales, said: "Breaking ground at Llangatwg Community School marks the beginning of an exciting project that will deliver first-class educational facilities for the young people of Neath Port Talbot.

"We're proud to be working alongside Neath Port Talbot Council and our design partners to bring this vision to life, and we're committed to leaving a lasting, positive legacy for the local community throughout every stage of delivery."

Councillor Nia Jenkins, Cabinet Member for Education and Early Years, said: "Breaking ground on the new Llangatwg Community School is an exciting moment for the community. This investment will provide modern, inclusive facilities that support high-quality teaching and learning, while also creating a valuable resource for residents. It was wonderful to see how excited the children are for the new development."