A new Anglesey primary school, whose design was inspired by the Royal Court of Welsh Princes, has won a national building award.

The County Council’s in-house architectural design team based Ysgol Santes Dwynwen, in the village of Newborough, on the nearby historical site of Llys Rhosyr.

During the 13th century, Llys Rhosyr served as the seat of power for the Princes of Gwynedd.

Ysgol Santes Dwynwen recently won the CLAW Project of the Year 2021 award, which recognises excellence in construction within local authorities projects across Wales.

Judges commended the project, which was completed in 2019, for incorporating historical significance, which was visible in its architecture.

They also praised its excellent Community benefits, including positive opportunities for apprenticeships and training through the construction phase.

The Consortium of Local Authorities in Wales (CLAW) has an important role as the leading Welsh local government forum for developing and sharing best practice in the construction, maintenance, and management of property assets in the public sector.

Gareth Thomas, Anglesey’s Architectural Services Manager, said: “We used the footprint of the ancient Llyr Rhosyr halls as the key elements within the architectural design for the new school. The main hall now houses the school hall and the two smaller halls house the community rooms and the kitchen facilities.

“The school building has been built using a highly sustainable SIPS Panel system – constructed off-site, therefore resulting in zero-waste construction and low embodied energy, with reduced costs and time on site.”

Ysgol Santes Dwynwen replaced four schools in Newborough, Llangaffo, Dwyran and Bodorgan. It is a Community School and a Church in Wales School for 180 pupils and 25 nursery places. The new school was built by Wynne Construction.

Anglesey’s Education portfolio holder, Cllr Meirion Jones, added, “Ysgol Santes Dwynwen is a fantastic example of what we can achieve, working in partnership with the Welsh Government, to realise the 21st century schools vision.”

“We are delighted to have won this national award. New buildings, like this one, show we are investing in the future of our children - providing them with the best possible education and ensuring that they are taught in schools which meet 21st century standards and expectations.”

Dave Powell, Director of Corporate Estates, Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council and Chair of CLAW said: “Some excellent construction projects were considered as part of the CLAW Project of the Year Awards and congratulations go out to the winner, Ysgol Santes Dwynwen, Isle of Anglesey County Council and the Highly Commended, Llys Cadwyn, Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council.

“Despite the pressures the industry has encountered as a result of Covid-19 and flooding across Wales, 2020/21 has been a successful year for CLAW. We look forward to continuing the good work, sharing best practice and delivering high quality outcomes during the year ahead.”