A ceremony was held at Bassaleg School to mark the start of work to replace aging buildings with state-of-the-art teaching facilities.
It will be the latest scheme to be delivered with match funding from the Welsh Government through its Sustainable Communities for Learning Programme.
Over the next three years, a modern teaching block, dining and assembly areas will be created to replace the older structures.
It will also ensure there are sufficient school places to meet growing demand.as the overall capacity of Bassaleg School increases by 300 from September 2023.
Pupils and staff joined the Minister for Education and Welsh Language, Jeremy Miles, as well as council representatives including the Mayor of Newport, Councillor David Williams, Leader Councillor Jane Mudd and Cabinet Member for Education Councillor Deb Davies for the sod-cutting ceremony.
Jeremy Miles said: “I’m really pleased the Welsh Government could support the new Bassaleg School through our Sustainable Communities for Learning Programme, which will create a fantastic learning environment for the children and increased opportunities for the community through the use of the new sports facilities.”
“Welsh Government are also pleased that this amazing project will help meet the increasing demand for school places in response to new housing developments in the area.”
Councillor Jane Mudd said: “The improvements being carried out in Bassaleg are part of a multi-million pound investment in our schools and education by the council and Welsh Government.”
Councillor Deb Davies added: “Funding from the council and the Sustainable Communities for Learning programme has given us an opportunity to improve the environment for pupils which in turn will enhance the learning experience. It also helps us to respond to the increase demand for places as our city continues to grow.”.
Victoria Lambe, Headteacher of Bassaleg School said: “We feel incredibly proud to be in receipt of much needed significant investment to our infrastructure to accommodate our growing school population. The planned upgraded facilities will complement the innovative and expansive work being undertaken on our dynamic new curriculum and ensure that our pupils are thriving within a 21st century learning environment.”
The work at Bassaleg will be undertaken by Wilmott Dixon. The construction company has been involved in other projects in the city including the building of the University of South Wales’ city centre campus.
Ian Jones, Director at Willmott Dixon said, “We are delighted to be working with Newport City Council at Bassaleg School. We have significant experience working in the education sector and we are committed to delivering the highest quality facilities for the pupils of the school, where they can learn and thrive.
“Working in partnership with Newport City Council and Newport Norse, we are confident that the redevelopment of the school will benefit not only the pupils and staff, but also the wider community. Willmott Dixon has a commitment to engaging the communities where it builds. This is reflected both in the work we are already undertaking with the school and other organisations, and also the strong links that our team and our supply chain partners have to Bassaleg School and the surrounding community.”
The Sustainable Communities for Learning Programme aims to transform the learning experience of learners, ensuring they are taught in classrooms with the technologies and facilities needed to support the delivery of the Curriculum for Wales.
A consultation into the Bassaleg scheme was carried out in 2020 and received significant backing. Planning permission was granted earlier this year, paving the way for work to start.
