Morgan Sindall is celebrating the opening of the new £25m Portfield School in Haverfordwest, a 2,600 sq ft school for pupils with special educational needs that will be carbon net-zero in operation.

It was procured through the South West Wales Regional Contractors Framework and delivered with engineering consultant AtkinsRéalis.

The single-storey school has therapy rooms, sensory rooms, treatment rooms and a main hall equipped with a retractable trampoline. Outdoors, pupils can enjoy a new multi-use play area. The design aimed to create a welcoming, campus-like environment.

The structure features a steel frame with a brickwork finish and Vieo cladding.

It has been designed to achieve net-zero carbon in operation through its fabric, solar panels, air-source heat pumps and low-energy light fittings.

10-tonne challenge

Morgan Sindall also applied its 10 Tonne Carbon Challenge, which encourages the project team to work with consultants and the supply chain to find ways of preventing at least 10 tonnes of CO2 from entering the atmosphere through the construction process. So far, they’re ahead, having saved 11.2 tonnes of CO2 equivalent.

The contractor used its proprietary carbon assessment tool, CarboniCa, which allows the team to estimate and reduce carbon emissions during the building’s design, construction and lifecycle.

Morgan Sindall also supported local jobs by spending 95% of the supply chain budget locally and employing 86% of subcontractors from the local area.

The team employed two graduates and took on two work-experience placement students from Pembrokeshire College for five weeks. It also hosted visits from Pembrokeshire College students to show the opportunities available in the sector.

The second phase of works is due to complete in early 2027. This will include demolishing and building a new respite block and remodelling the SEN sixth form facilities.

‘Growing demand for specialist education’

“With the growing demand for specialist education, it’s incredibly meaningful to help deliver the school places that local families need,” said Robert Williams, area director for Morgan Sindall Construction in Wales.

Headteacher Sarah Hartley said: “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.”