Prestigious awards handed over to school

24 November 2023

Two prestigious awards that were won by an innovative building project earlier this year, will be displayed at a Welshpool school after being presented to learners and staff.

Powys County Council has handed over the trophies to Welshpool Church in Wales Primary School after their school building won the Value Award at the Constructing Excellence in Wales Awards 2023 and the Innovation in Delivering a Sustainable Education Facility award at the Education Buildings Wales Awards 2023 in the summer.

The school building, which opened in January 2021, was designed by Architype (Architects) and WSP (Engineering all Disciplines) and constructed by Pave Aways Ltd on behalf of the council.

Built as part of the council's Transforming Education programme, it is the first Passivhaus primary school built by the council and meets the rigorous energy efficient standards required for Passivhaus certification.

Constructed around a timber frame that was sustainably sourced in Wales, the school has a superior level of insulation and was built to be airtight. It also has a heat recovery and ventilation system and solar panels on the roof to minimise running costs.

The project was jointly funded by the Welsh Government, through its Sustainable Communities for Learning Programme (formerly the 21st Century Schools Programme), and the council.

Cllr Pete Roberts, Cabinet Member for a Learning Powys, said: "This was a fantastic achievement and I'm delighted that the council has handed over these prestigious awards for the school to proudly display in their fantastic building.

"This innovative project would not have been possible if it wasn't for the partnership between the school leaders and our dedicated council officers, the Welsh Government, the Diocese of St Asaph and our partners in the construction industry.

"This award-winning facility allows learners and teaching staff to reach their potential but it has been built to the highest energy efficient standards which helps the county reduce its carbon footprint."