Morgan Sindall Construction’s Wales team has celebrated the completion of the brand new Maendy Primary School in Cwmbran, marking the final milestone in the delivery of the town’s new net zero carbon in operation learning environment.

 

The occasion was commemorated with a ceremony on site attended by the Welsh Cabinet Secretary for Education, Lynne Neagle, representatives from Morgan Sindall, Torfaen County Borough Council, and members of staff. At the event, three classes of students sang, attendees toured the site and enjoyed cake.

 

Appointed to the project by Torfaen County Borough Council, the £16.2 million school involved the construction of a two-storey primary school designed to accommodate 420 pupils across 16 classrooms. The 2,184 sq-m state-of-the-art facility has replaced the existing school building, providing pupils and staff with a modern, sustainable learning environment.

 

The project was delivered in two phases. Phase 1 was completed and handed over in May 2025, delivering the main school building alongside a rear playground, a multi-use games area (MUGA), and dedicated play zones located adjacent to classrooms.

 

Meanwhile, Phase 2 included the demolition of the original school building, making way for additional facilities. These include a new access road, a car park with electric vehicle charging points, extensive sports fields, and a dedicated Forest School area to support outdoor learning. Phase 2 was handed over in February 2026.

 

Designed to achieve a BREEAM Excellent rating, the building features a robust all-brick clad steel structure and incorporates 700 sq m of solar PV panels on its southern roof pitch, helping the school achieve its net zero carbon in operation status. The building has also been carefully positioned on the site to maximise energy efficiency while creating practical, inspiring spaces for teaching and learning.

 

In line with Morgan Sindall’s commitment to sustainability, the project team undertook the 10-tonne challenge, an initiative that encourages the team to work with consultants and the supply chain to find Intelligent Solutions that reduce carbon from the construction process by a minimum of 10 tonnes. The team exceeded its target, achieving a saving of 89 tonnes of CO₂e.

 

One example of this approach is the use of reusable kentledge blocks in place of traditional concrete foundations for site hoarding. This solution allows the hoarding to be moved between construction phases without the need to pour new concrete foundations, significantly reducing carbon emissions and material use.

 

And to make a meaningful impact on the local community throughout works, Morgan Sindall engaged with pupils through a series of educational activities, including assemblies, construction site safety sessions, and Carbon Literacy and sustainable design workshops for Years 5 and 6.

 

Morgan Sindall is further supporting the school through its sponsorship of the Healthy Dragons initiative, delivered in partnership with the Dragons RFC Community Team. The programme promotes wellbeing, healthy lifestyles, and confidence-building among pupils.

 

As part of the project’s biodiversity efforts, the team has donated materials for the creation of hedgehog houses, now in place within the school’s Forest School area, enhancing opportunities for environmental learning and wildlife conservation.

 

The project also addresses local infrastructure challenges by introducing an internal drop-off area, designed to ease roadside congestion during peak school times and improve safety for pupils, and parents.

 

Robert Williams, Area Director for Morgan Sindall Construction in Wales, said: “Reaching this final milestone is such a fantastic moment for everyone involved in the project. Maendy Primary School is a wonderful facility for the community, and it’s so rewarding to see the school open its doors.

 

“The team has worked closely with the council, the school, and our supply chain to deliver a building that supports modern learning, all while reflecting our shared commitment to sustainability. We’re immensely proud to have created a space that pupils and staff will enjoy for many years to come.”

 

Darren Knight, Architect and Project Manager for Torfaen County Borough Council and Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council, said: “Paramount to the success of Maendy Primary School and Community Children’s Centre (CCC) was achieved by a galvanised and attentive team assisting and advising Torfaen County Borough Council (TCBC) through all the RIBA Work Stages from conception, completion and occupation.

 

“The cohesive combination of different strengths, knowledge and attention by the whole Morgan Sindall site team made the project a resounding success and can be easily demonstrated in the quality and workmanship of the completed project, which is fully appreciated and adored by the school’s occupant and visitors. Both TCBC and the school and the governors are incredibly proud of the school and the whole site, and what has become a key educational beacon for Maendy for the current and future generations to enjoy.”