As well as being a good example of brownfield regeneration – the Caerau Primary School is built on the site of an old steelworks – it also uses a variety of green building techniques and relies on renewable energy.

Sustainability is a big part of the design and the school’s biomass boiler uses carbon neutral wood pellets, while solar panels contribute to the building’s hot water system.

Rainwater is also collected and the school features energy-efficient lighting and an under-floor heating system.

The school also has a number of socially beneficial features designed to support the wider community as well as the pupils themselves.

The new school features specialist classrooms, a communal multi-use ‘street’ area as well as a floodlit all-weather pitch.

The school also incorporates provision for community use and includes a new Flying Start facility for up to 20 pre-school children.

First Minister Carwyn Jones said: “It is a great pleasure for me to officially open Caerau Primary School today, which has been built with the help of funding from the Welsh Assembly Government.

“The new school provides a sustainable environment which is conducive to learning and a school which everybody involved with the school can be very proud of and proves our commitment to deliver schools which are fit for the 21st Century.”

David Gibbs

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