Vale of Glamorgan Council has appointed Morgan Sindall Construction to build a £22m ($27.5m) school in Penarth, Wales, for pupils with additional learning needs (ALNs).

The project, named Ysgol Llyn Derw, is being planned by Morgan Sindall's Cardiff business following the previous contractor ISG's administration.

Situated near Cosmeston Country Park, Ysgol Llyn Derw is designed to accommodate 150 pupils and will incorporate advanced technology to provide a tailored educational experience for students with a range of disabilities.

The construction of the school responds to the high demand for additional ALN resources in the area.

Ysgol Llyn Derw is a two-storey building and will integrate seamlessly with the surrounding landscape, providing an extension of the existing school facilities at the site.

The commitment to sustainability is a key feature of the project, with plans for Ysgol Llyn Derw to include solar panels, a hybrid generator, and the use of energy-efficient materials. These measures form part of Morgan Sindall's strategy to achieve a carbon-neutral status for the new school.

Further enhancing the school's green credentials, the design will focus on maximising natural light and ventilation, installing green roofs, and incorporating other environmentally friendly features to support biodiversity.

Earlier this month, East Suffolk Council selected the Eastern Counties division of Morgan Sindall to undertake the Battery Green redevelopment project in central Lowestoft, England, UK.

Vale of Glamorgan Council leader and councillor Lis Burnett said: “Ysgol Llyn Derw will provide a much-needed tailor-made environment for pupils that need specialist attention and build on the fantastic work carried out at Ysgol Y Deri’s main site.

“As well as helping pupils, we also want our schools to benefit the environment. That is in line with the Climate Emergency declared by the council and our Project Zero commitment to become carbon neutral by 2030.”