Hugh James is proud to have played a pivotal role in supporting Cardiff Council on the development of the new Willows High, a state-of-the-art secondary school valued at approximately £60 million.
Led by Caroline O'Flaherty, Hugh James's Commercial Property team has been at the heart of this landmark project since 2021, when the firm advised on the acquisition of the former Splott Market site that would become the new home of Willows High.
As the project progressed, Hugh James continued to stand alongside Cardiff Council to advise on a range of additional land acquisitions required for footpaths and other ancillary elements of the development and also infrastructure agreements needed to bring essential services into the school, ensuring the scheme kept moving from site assembly through to completion.
Set to replace the existing Willows High School, the new school will be transformative for the local community, providing places for 900 pupils plus a Specialist Resource Base (SRB) for individuals with additional learning needs. Its sports hall, dance studio and multi-use games area will not only serve pupils but will also be opened up to the wider community, creating a genuine hub for local sport, culture and connection in Cardiff. With the school due to open its doors after the October half-term, this marks an exciting new chapter for pupils, staff and the wider community, and a proud milestone for everyone at Hugh James who has worked to help bring it to life.
Senior Associate Anna McCarthy, who has advised on the transaction since 2021, reflected on the project:
“It has been a genuine privilege for Hugh James to act for Cardiff Council since 2021 on the new Willows High School, from the very first site acquisition through to seeing the school ready to open its doors. Visiting the site recently and witnessing its transformation from a former market and industrial unit into a modern, sustainable school built for around 900 pupils was a truly special moment. We are immensely proud of the part Hugh James has played in helping bring it to life.”
Cardiff Council's Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Education and Lifelong Learning, Cllr Sarah Merry said:
“The new Willows High is a fantastic example of what can be achieved through strong partnership working. Bringing a project of this scale to fruition has required the commitment and expertise of a wide range of partners, and I would like to thank everyone involved, including Hugh James, whose support has helped progress the development from the earliest stages through to completion.
“This investment will provide pupils and staff with a modern, inspiring and inclusive learning environment that will support high-quality teaching and learning for generations to come. It will also deliver outstanding facilities that can be enjoyed by the wider community, creating a valuable hub for sport, activity and community engagement. We are proud to be delivering a school that will not only enhance educational opportunities for young people but also bring lasting benefits to the local area.”
