The Authority awarded an enabling works contract to ISG Construction Limited (“ISG”) on 22nd February 2023 via the SEWSCAP3 framework agreement. Subsequent to that, and in accordance with SEWSCAP3, the Authority entered into a main works contract on 22nd December 2023.

ISG Construction Ltd filed for administration on 19 September 2024 and construction works ceased.

As a interim solution to address issues brought about by ISG entering into administration and to address the urgent issues associated with protecting the project/site, the continuation of construction works and to allow sufficient time to undertake a compliant procurement process, the Authority has novated the enabling works and main works contracts for construction for a short-term interim period to the main sub-contractor appointed under the main works contracts.

The scope of the project includes the construction of three new build schools so as to:

- Replace the Cantonian High School buildings with new build accommodation on the same site expanding the school from six forms of entry (6FE) to eight forms of entry (8FE) with sixth form provision for up to 250 pupils;

- Expand the Specialist Resource Base (SRB) for learners with an Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC), hosted at Cantonian High School from 20 to 30 places in purpose built accommodation in the new school buildings;

- Relocate Woodlands High School to the Fairwater Road site from its current site adjacent to Trelai Park and increase the capacity from 140 places to 240 places in new build accommodation;

- Relocate Riverbank Special School to the Fairwater Road site from its current site adjacent to Trelai Park, and increase the capacity from 70 to 112 places in new build accommodation.