Plans to construct three new schools in Cardiff are now uncertain following the announcement that the contractor responsible for the project has gone into administration. ISG Construction Ltd, the chosen main contractor for the £110m Fairwater Community Campus project, which includes a new build for Cantonian High School, has filed for administration. The initiative, hailed as one of the largest educational developments in Cardiff, was partially funded by the Welsh Government and aimed to create three new schools for Cantonian High School, Riverbank School and Woodlands High School on a single site in Fairwater.
The project, which had been in the planning stages for years, was approved by Cardiff Council’s cabinet in September 2020 and the contract was awarded in March 2023. Building work began in February of this year with a ceremony officiated by former First Minister Mark Drakeford. However, just seven months after commencing work, the project faces uncertainty with ISG going into administration, potentially placing thousands of construction industry jobs at risk.
According to sources in the construction industry, Whitehall Government officials are monitoring the situation closely as ISG’s administration could have significant repercussions within the sector, potentially comparable to the collapse of Carillion in 2018. In response to the news, Cardiff Council issued a statement reassuring the public that efforts are underway to minimize disruption to the project and protect the council’s interests.
Local councillor Neil McEvoy expressed dismay over the situation, calling the project “shambolic from the start” and raising concerns about potential delays and increased costs. He highlighted the significant impact on both the education system and local residents, describing the construction site as a major inconvenience to the community.
The Fairwater Community Campus project was designed to include various components, such as expanding Cantonian High School, relocating Woodlands High School and Riverbank School to the Fairwater site, and increasing capacities for specialized programs. The completion of the project was initially scheduled for Autumn 2026, with the Cantonian High School portion set to finish by the end of 2025.
Cardiff Council’s statement reiterated their commitment to delivering the Fairwater Community Campus despite the contractor’s administration, with a focus on ensuring the safety and security of the project site and ensuring subcontractors are compensated for completed work. The Council pledged to keep the public informed as they navigate through the challenges posed by the contractor’s financial difficulties.