The project is an extension of the successful Ysgol Y Deri school, which featured in the BBC documentary titled ‘A Special School’.
Development plans for the latest project includes a £20 million facility which is over two storeys, with the surrounding landscape functioning as an extension of the school buildings, offering teaching and study spaces as well as areas for sport, play, socialising, relaxation and reflection.
Key features including natural light and ventilation wherever possible, green roofs to increase biodiversity and a host of other environmentally friendly features.
However, delays to construction are now expected as a result of ISG entering into administration.
Administrators EY released the following statement on its website:
“On 20 September 2024 the Companies entered administration and Timothy Vance, Alan Michael Hudson and Dan Edkins were appointed as Joint Administrators. The appointments were made by the High Court of Justice in England and Wales under the provisions of paragraph 12 of Schedule B1 of the Insolvency Act 1986, following applications by the directors of the Companies.
“ISG’s UK operations, which provided construction and related services in the UK, have ceased to trade with immediate effect. As a result, no further work will be undertaken on existing UK contracts, including for Construction, Fit Out and Engineering services.”
It is estimated that a total of 2,200 jobs has been lost as a result.
Rob Thomas, chief executive of Vale of Glamorgan Council said the Penarth school was one of those impacted but they hoped to keep the project on track.
“Construction Ysgol Llyn Derw has paused following lead contractor ISG entering into administration,” he said.
“The council is fully committed to delivering this much needed expansion to additional learning needs provision in the Vale of Glamorgan and is working with its partners to identify new contactors to deliver the scheme and minimise any disruption to the programme.”