Morgan Sindall Construction’s Wales business celebrated the opening of SEN Portfield School in Haverfordwest, marking the completion of the main phase of new build works. The £25M, 2,600sq-ft school is carbon net zero in operation.
To mark the occasion, representatives from the Morgan Sindall project team and Pembrokeshire County Council gathered to the site to enjoy speeches, refreshments, and tour the school.
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 refurbishing the existing school building. The single-storey school has been transformed to provide specialist educational provision for pupils with additional needs, including therapy rooms, sensory rooms, treatment rooms, and a main hall equipped with a retractable trampoline. Outdoors, pupils can enjoy a new MUGA play area, with the overall design carefully crafted to create a cohesive space that supports students and fosters a welcoming, campus-like environment.
The structure features a steel frame with a brickwork finish and vieo cladding, creating a strong, durable building with an attractive finish.
The project team has also converted the former vacant bus lay-by into a designated car park with over 100 spaces, including 10 reserved for accessible parking.
The school has been designed to achieve net zero carbon in operation through the installation of solar panels, air source heat pumps, wall build-ups, buildable fabric, and low energy light fittings. Additionally, Morgan Sindall has implemented its 10 Tonne Carbon Challenge which encourages the project team to work with consultants and the supply chain to find Intelligent Solutions that reduces carbon from the construction process by a minimum of 10 tonnes. To date, 11.2 Tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) has been saved, exceeding the target.
To optimise the project’s sustainability performance, Morgan Sindall is deploying the proprietary carbon assessment tool, CarboniCa, throughout construction. CarboniCa is an innovative carbon calculation tool that allows the team to estimate, manage, and reduce carbon emissions throughout the building’s design, construction, and life cycle.
Morgan Sindall is also making a positive difference in the community by spending 95% of the supply chain budget locally and employing 86% of subcontractors from the local area.
And to empower the next generation of construction professionals, the project team has employed two graduates and taken on two work experience placement students from Pembrokeshire College to gain onsite experience for 5 weeks. Morgan Sindall has also engaged with a Cyfle College and Pembrokeshire College, as well as welcomed site visits from students from Pembrokeshire College to showcase 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.
The project transpired when Pembrokeshire County Council acquired the land next to Portfield School, made available following the relocation of previous schools. This acquisition enabled the Council to move forward with the new development scheme.
Portfield School is Morgan Sindall’s third project in collaboration with Pembrokeshire County Council, following 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 said the new accommodation represented an important step forward for the school community. She said: “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.”
The new building includes specialist facilities such as sensory rooms and improved outdoor areas designed to promote physical activity, social interaction and emotional wellbeing.
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