Ugly Old Buildings Gone: Fairwater’s Schools Revolutionised 2026

Key Points

• Pupils at Cantonian High School, Woodlands High School, and Riverbank School in Fairwater, Cardiff, previously endured learning in ugly, cramped, outdated buildings frequently disturbed by seagulls.​
• The £110m Fairwater Community Campus project consolidates these three schools on one site, marking a major educational transformation.​
• First milestone achieved with handover of the new Health and Wellbeing Hub, named Copa (Welsh for ‘summit’), to Cardiff Council.​
• Copa features a dynamic activity studio, dedicated maker space, state-of-the-art gym, and outdoor sports pitches, serving pupils daytime and community evenings.​
• Additional facilities include Pontio vocational enterprise hub (Welsh for ‘bridge’), supporting careers and futures.​
• Project designed by HLM Architects, built by BESL on budget and timeline despite challenges.​
• Cardiff Council’s Band B Sustainable Communities for Learning Programme funds the initiative, aligning with Stronger Fairer Greener commitments and Cardiff 2030 vision.​
• Councillor Sarah Merry hailed it as Cardiff and Wales’ first such campus, one of UK’s most educationally advanced, preserving school identities while sharing facilities.​
• Steve Borley of BESL noted delivery out of adversity as a success story with supply chain partners.​
• Pupils and staff praise the transformation, saying it has revolutionised learning and teaching.​
• Campus promotes global responsibility, greener Wales, community spirit, and high-quality education for successful, engaged citizens.​

Fairwater (Cardiff Daily) February 21, 2026 – Pupils and staff at Cantonian High School, Woodlands High School, and Riverbank School in Fairwater have hailed the opening of the new £110m Fairwater Community Campus, escaping years of learning in ugly, cramped buildings disturbed by seagulls for state-of-the-art facilities that have transformed education. The first phase handover of the Health and Wellbeing Hub, named Copa, marks a milestone in this ambitious project designed by HLM Architects and delivered by BESL. This consolidation on one site promises shared expertise while preserving each school’s identity, as celebrated by local leaders.

What Triggered the Urgent Need for Fairwater’s School Overhaul?

Fairwater’s schools faced dire conditions for years, with pupils learning in ugly, old, cramped buildings that hindered effective teaching and study. Seagulls frequently disturbed classes, adding to the chaos in these outdated structures. As reported in WalesOnline coverage, pupils and staff described the previous setups as inadequate, prompting the push for radical change.​

The community demanded better, leading Cardiff Council to invest via its Band B Sustainable Communities for Learning Programme. This aligned with the council’s Stronger Fairer Greener pledges and Cardiff 2030 vision for high-quality education fostering globally-engaged citizens. Outdated facilities no longer met modern needs, making the campus a necessity.​

Which Schools Are Now United at the Fairwater Campus?

Cantonian High School, Woodlands High School, and Riverbank School are now co-located on the single Fairwater Community Campus site. Each retains its unique identity but benefits from shared facilities, expertise, and teaching opportunities. This reshaping of education in Cardiff delivers an exceptional experience for students, staff, and communities.​

The scheme, designed by HLM Architects, brings these institutions together for the first time. Pupils from all three now access unified resources, revolutionising daily school life. Staff report enhanced teaching capabilities in the new environment.

What Facilities Does the New Health and Wellbeing Hub Offer?

The Copa hub, Welsh for ‘summit’, serves as the centre for health, wellbeing, and sport. It includes a dynamic activity studio, dedicated maker space, state-of-the-art gym, and outdoor sports pitches. These open to pupils during school hours and community groups evenings, fostering connections and Cardiff’s community spirit.​

How Will Copa Benefit Pupils and Locals Daily?

Daytime use supports school activities, while evening access strengthens local ties. The gym and pitches enable fitness and sports, vital for youth development. Maker spaces encourage creativity, aligning with modern curricula.​

What Role Does Pontio Play in Student Futures?

Pontio, meaning ‘bridge’ in Welsh, is the vocational enterprise hub building careers and supporting futures. It provides practical training, bridging education to employment. This facility positions the campus as forward-thinking.​

Who Are the Key Players Behind This £110m Project?

HLM Architects designed the bold scheme. BESL handled construction, with group managing director Steve Borley stating, “Out of adversity, we have delivered a success story along with our supply chain partners with the health and wellbeing building being handed over this month on budget.” Borley added, “The handover of the complete campus is in line with the original programme, and the quality of workmanship complements the exceptional design of this flagship project.”​

Cardiff Council leads, with deputy leader and cabinet member for education Councillor Sarah Merry declaring, “Fairwater Community Campus is the first of its kind for Cardiff and Wales and will be one of the most-educationally-advanced institutions in the UK.” Merry continued, “Each school will be able to keep its identity and will benefit from shared facilities, expertise, and teaching opportunities to deliver an exceptional experience for students, staff, and their communities.” She noted, “Delivered under our Band B Sustainable Communities for Learning Programme, the new campus represents significant investment in Cardiff’s education.” Merry emphasised, “It supports the council’s Stronger Fairer Greener commitments, meeting the aspirations set out in Cardiff 2030, the city’s vision for all children and young people to experience high-quality education and develop the knowledge, skills, and attributes that enable them to become personally successful, and globally-engaged citizens.”​

When and How Was the First Milestone Achieved?

The project team recently marked the milestone with the official handover of Copa to the local authority. Despite challenges, BESL delivered on budget and timeline. This phase sets the stage for full campus completion.​

How Have Pupils and Staff Reacted to the Changes?

Pupils and staff have hailed the newest school, saying it has transformed the way they learn and teach. The shift from cramped, seagull-disturbed rooms to modern spaces is life-changing. Feedback highlights improved focus and engagement.​

What Broader Impact Will the Campus Have on Cardiff?

The initiative contributes to a globally-responsible Cardiff and greener Wales. It strengthens community spirit through shared access. As one of the UK’s most advanced, it elevates educational standards regionally.​

Why Is This a Milestone for Welsh Education?

As Wales’ first such campus, it pioneers co-located schools with shared innovation. The investment signals commitment to future generations. Full rollout promises lasting benefits.​

This development, rooted in community needs, exemplifies proactive urban education renewal. Staff and pupils’ endorsements underscore its success, with facilities like the health hub poised to inspire. Ongoing phases will further embed this transformation in Fairwater’s landscape.