Calon y Gwersyll Llangrannog (The Heart of the Camp)

Here at RDM Electrical Services, we were delighted to work on a very special project in a very special location in Wales. Many schoolchildren growing up in Wales will have magical and nostalgic memories of school trips to Urdd Gobaith Cymru in Llangrannog. It is estimated that more than one million ‘campers’ have used the centre since its establishment in 1932.

It was, therefore, a pleasure to work on this project that involved a complete build and fit out of the commercial kitchen facilities, a dining block able to seat more than 200, and nine en-suite dormitories, which will sleep 58 in total.

This project also had a specific focus on sustainable technology. As part of the wider project, we also designed and installed under floor heating, air source heat pumps and solar panels.

The process for this development started in November 2016 when the Urdd launched an open competition inviting consultant teams to submit proposals to improve their facilities at the Urdd Llangrannog Campus in a project called ‘Calon y Gwersyll/The Heart of the Centre’.

Following an assessment of submissions and a presentation interview, Purcell was appointed to develop the project.

The scheme was developed to include two new build elements, one refurbishment and new build extension, demolition and landscape works. The centre remained open throughout the construction period.

The investment will allow the centre to respond to demand while providing a high-quality educational offer to schools and groups. Additionally, it will increase the numbers that will be able to visit the centre daily and weekly.

Today, 56 per cent of all Welsh schools attend Urdd centres on residential courses, and of those who visited over the past three years, 26 per cent came from the 20 per cent most deprived communities in Wales.