03/28/2024

Wales News Online

Local & National News for Wales

£12 million development on Bishopston School will have ‘big impact’

A MAJOR revamp of a leaky comprehensive school in Swansea is “desperately needed,” according to a governor and councillor.

Lynda James said the £12 million investment planned for Bishopston comprehensive will have a significant impact.

A lot of work has been going on in the background, and a planning application has now been submitted by Swansea Council.

The refurbishment includes the demolition of three demountable classrooms, the construction of a two-storey classroom extension and a new reception extension, together with internal and external upgrades to existing buildings.

The Gower school has more than 1,000 pupils aged 11 to 16.

Cllr James said the buildings dated from the 1960s. “There has been leak after leak, repair after repair,” she said. “It’s literally falling apart.” The new extensions will accommodate the school’s art, drama, science and business studies departments. Cllr James, who represents the nearby Pennard ward, said of the refurbishment project: “It will really help the school.” She paid testament to its staff, who have been instrumental in maintaining the school’s high standards. “The building is less than ideal, but the school is one of the top schools in Wales,” she said. “The teachers are amazing.”

The council held drop-in sessions about the refurbishment project, which will be funded by the authority and Welsh Government, two months ago.

If all goes to plan, and subject to final Welsh Government approval, contractors will move on site next autumn.

The work will be done in phases, with the aim to complete the project by spring 2022.

The school had to close for a few days last autumn while roof repairs were carried out after heavy rainfall. Ten classrooms and the library were damaged by the ingress of water.

Cllr Jennifer Raynor, cabinet member for education improvement, learning and skills said: “This major investment will address the current condition of the school buildings and provide modern, flexible teaching facilities to create distinct faculty areas to meet the changing demands of the curriculum. “A lot of hard work has already gone on behind the scenes with our education department working closely with the headteacher and governing body.”

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