Scott Brownrigg’s design for a new £22m Brecon High School in Wales has been unanimously approved by Powys Council, with committee members referencing the design as ‘excellent’ and a ‘very welcome and significant scheme for Brecon’.

Set within an Designated Area of Outstanding Beauty, and against the unique backdrop of the Black Mountains, the project will see the existing 1950’s secondary school replaced with new 7,500 sq m, 750 student school buildings fit to meet the demands of education in the 21st century.

Targeting BREEAM Excellent, with a passivhaus principles approach, the school’s location has informed its design which comprises three teaching areas together with a main hall, sports hall, studio, Learning Resource Centre and 6th Form.  The elevations are designed to reflect the sensitives of designing with the National Parks and feature a natural stone façade.

Scott Brownrigg Director Jon James says

“We are delighted the scheme has been granted Planning. The design allows for much needed 21 Century teaching facilities and given its unique location, the design opportunities and use of materials will reflect the context to ensure the school enhances the local area.”

The Outline Business Case for the construction of the new 11-18 school in Brecon was approved last autumn as part of the Welsh Government’s 21st Century Schools and Education Programme.

The County Council have recognised the need to improve the secondary school infrastructure for some time and the replacement school is a key part plans to ensure pupils in the Brecon community are taught in buildings that are fit for purpose.

The school, which will be constructed by BAM following their contractor-led appointment earlier this year, will open in September 2019.