03/29/2024

Wales News Online

Local & National News for Wales

£150m investment programme transforming schools

MORE new school buildings are taking shape across Swansea as education is transformed under the 21st Century Schools and Colleges Programme.

Swansea Council and the Welsh Government are jointly investing almost £150m in the next few years under Band B of the scheme.

Work has started on a £9.9m new school for YGG Tan-y-lan and is progressing well on the £9.65m Pupil Referral Unit in Cockett.

Contractors are on site for a £13.8m upgrade at Bishopston Comprehensive and £6.7m is being invested to expand provision at Ysgol Gyfun Gwyr.

The main construction work is due to start soon on a £11.55m new build for YGG Tirdeunaw, while pupils and teachers move into their new £6.9m home in Gorseinon next month.

Cllr Jennifer Raynor, Swansea Council’s Cabinet Member for Education Improvement, Learning and Skills, said: “Right now in Swansea we are seeing the biggest ever investment in school buildings and facilities.

“Old and outdated schools are being transformed and new schools are being built so that thousands more pupils are taught in an environment that supports them in achieving their full potential.

“We are already in discussion with other headteachers and governing bodies about further new projects and I look forward to announcing details about these soon.”

This is the second Band B of this long term programme which has previously seen £51m invested.

This included new build schools for YGG Lon Las, Burlais, and Gowerton primary schools plus improvements at Pentre’r Graig, Newton and Glyncollen Primary Schools and a major refurbishment at Pentrehafod School.

The council has also successfully bid for almost £2m under the Welsh Government’s Reducing Infant Class Sizes grant to improve other schools.

Seaview and Penyrheol primary schools have already benefited, work has started at Hendrefoilan Primary School and is also planned at YGG Bryniago.

Cllr Raynor said: “We are extremely grateful to our colleagues in Welsh Government as not only are we improving education for generations to come but this investment is boosting the local economy as well at a time when many have been hit by the pandemic.

“As well as using local workers and suppliers wherever possible all of our contractors create apprenticeship and work experience opportunities.”

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