Willmott Dixon has secured a contract to build a new net-zero Passivhaus primary school and community hub in Glyn-coch, South Wales, for Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council.
The contractor was appointed through the South East and Mid Wales Collaborative Construction Framework to deliver the scheme, which will replace Craig yr Hesg Primary School on its existing site and adjoining land.
In March 2023, the project was announced as one of only three successful proposals in Wales to receive 100 per cent grant funding (up to £15m from the Welsh Government’s Sustainable Schools Challenge, according to the council.
The two-storey development will include classrooms, community rooms, playgrounds, two Multi Use Games Areas, a grass sports pitch, and a car park with 43 spaces, including electric vehicle charging bays. Bike, scooter and buggy storage will also be provided.
Stride Treglown is the architect on the project, which is targeting Passivhaus certification as well as Building With Nature and the WELL Building Standard. Environmental features include rain gardens and nature-based surface water management systems.
The scheme has received grant support from the Welsh Government’s Sustainable Communities for Learning programme and was one of three projects selected under the Sustainable Schools Challenge. The funding was secured in spring 2023.
Construction officially began in August 2025 with a turf-cutting ceremony attended by Rhondda Cynon Taf Council cabinet members, Cynon Valley Member of the Senedd Vikki Howells and MP Alex Davies-Jones.
The completed building is due to open in autumn 2026 and will consolidate pupils from Craig yr Hesg and Cefn primary schools into a new English medium facility. A Welsh language nursery (Meithrin) will also be incorporated into the site.
Willmott Dixon is expanding its low-carbon education portfolio in Wales. The contractor recently completed Passivhaus-standard homes in Caerphilly and is delivering net-zero projects for Bridgend College and Leicestershire County Council.
Source: Willmott Dixon announcement/Rhondda Cynon Taf Council
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Ben Vogel