MOBIE is a charity that promotes the importance of homes, education, innovation and inspiration to drive ambition for better standards of living. It connects young people across the educational spectrum with industry professionals, inspiring them to imagine the homes of the future.
The first of the sessions took place at Herbert Thompson Primary School, which is based near the upcoming development on the former Lansdowne Hospital site and was delivered to year six students. The purpose of the session was to get the students thinking about how towns are built and designed, and to possibly spark an interest in a future career in the construction sector.
Sheena Marsh at Herbert Thompson Primary School, said: “We are very grateful to Lovell and MOBIE for these educational sessions. The students learnt interesting and important lessons about everything that goes into construction and community planning, and the options available to them in the construction industry. It was wonderful to see them so invested and engaged.”
A further four sessions were delivered in partnership with Cardiff and Vale College to four schools close to Cardiff Council’s St Mellons Community Living Project. Students at Glan Yr Afon Primary School, Pontprennau Primary School, Bryn Hafod Primary School and Oakfield Primary School all received similar sessions, which aimed to inspire both the students and their parents who were also in attendance.
During the sessions the students designed their own homes, then expanded on the ideas to design a community with amenities and residents in mind, and they also received a talk about careers in construction.
Emma McLoughlin, Deputy Head of Widening Participation at Cardiff and Vale College, said: “The sessions were amazing. Everyone had a great time with the hands-on activities, learning about building houses for the community. They were surprised to discover so many job opportunities in this field. It was heart-warming to see the families working collaboratively learning together. It was great to work in partnership.”
Gemma Clissett, regional partnerships director at Lovell, said: “Inspiring young people is very important to us at Lovell, so we were delighted to work with MOBIE to teach the students about all the thought and care that goes into construction and town planning.
“We look forward to delivering more sessions like this in the future and will continue to give back to the communities we build in.”
Lovell is delivering the design and build scheme on the former Lansdowne Hospital site in Canton, Cardiff for its partner Hafod. The development will consist of 106 energy efficient homes, including 44 houses and 62 apartments split over three buildings.
The St Mellons Community Living Project is being delivered by Lovell for Cardiff Council. Situated on Crickhowell Road, on the site of the former Youth and Community Centre, the £17.2m development will deliver a total of 60 one and two-bedroom, self-contained apartments for social rent, that will be built to high sustainability standards, powered by a communal heating system and benefit from solar panels, providing high-quality, independent living accommodation for older people.
