Vaughan Sound has completed another impressive sound, lighting and audio-visual scheme – this time throughout the brand new Penarth Learning Community – as part of the Vale of Glamorgan Council’s 21st Century Schools Investment Programme.
Two brand new schools – a replacement for St Cyres school plus Ysgol y Deri – have now been accommodated within one main building, constructed by main contractor Bouygues UK on the old St Cyres playing fields. Ysgol y Deri replaces Ashgrove School, Ysgol Erw’r Delyn and Ysgol Maes Dyfan special schools, with the amalgamation also including a separate Respite Centre.
This large-scale phased development saw Vaughan Sound initially provide extensive first fix and commissioning works, working alongside M&E engineers and BREEAM assessors Arup.
Performance lighting, sound, projection and stage curtains were later installed within the Main Hall, Sports Hall, Drama Studio, Dance Activity Studio, and SEN Large Hall. Audio mixing, monitoring and microphone equipment was fitted within the Radio Studio, whilst the Fitness Studio and Café each received TOA mixer amplifiers. Sound reinforcement has also been provided in the SEN Sports Hall, SEN Café, plus Control Booth, Multimedia and Play Out Rooms. Meanwhile, a range of communal microphones has been supplied to cover both schools.
Within several individual SEN rooms and the Respite Centre, specialist RGB LED mood lighting has been installed throughout, with custom scene sets and intuitive control. Combined with multimedia projection, and sound systems including in-wall stereo amplifiers with Bluetooth connectivity, the multi-sensory solutions ensure staff can create a calming and stimulating environment for pupils.
The proposed opening dates were 10 November 2014 for St Cyres and 5 January 2015 for Ysgol y Deri respectively. However, due to the project completing well ahead of schedule, Vale of Glamorgan Council consulted on a proposal to enable both schools to be opened earlier. St Cyres and Ysgol y Deri pupils will now make use of the excellent educational facilities after the October half term (Monday 27 October – Friday 31 October), up to seven weeks earlier than previously planned.