Proposals have been drawn up to relocate Lansdowne Primary School in response to the deterioration of the school buildings.
Lansdowne Primary School has been rated ‘D’ for condition, indicating that the Grade II listed Victorian buildings are at the ‘end of life’ stage.
In recent months, despite mitigations, there has been an increasing number of issues around the condition of the buildings, with some requiring significant repairs to maintain its safe operation.
The buildings have undergone detailed surveys and are closely monitored daily, with enhanced support allocated to the school. Although currently deemed safe, the headteacher and staff are under considerable pressure to manage ongoing building related issues.
The breadth of works required on the Grade II status buildings would need Listed Building Consent and structural issues would need to be addressed whilst retaining the building’s bespoke heritage features. It is therefore necessary to proceed with a planned relocation of the school as the only viable option.
Several relocation options have been explored, considering the distance families would need to travel. Following an appraisal of the option, the proposed new site was identified as the most appropriate as it is within the Lansdowne Primary School catchment area, less than half a mile from the current location, and has the space to accommodate all pupils and staff in one place.
If approved, the school would move to the north of the former Fitzalan High School site, with learners accommodated in new flexible build classrooms and supported by new office spaces in addition to refurbished hall, dining, nursery and reception facilities. The relocation of the school would be scheduled for the end of October 2025.
Cardiff’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Education, Cllr Sarah Merry, said: “The safety and wellbeing of pupils, staff, and families is paramount. Keeping the school in its current buildings is not viable due to potential future health and safety concerns. These plans ensure that high-quality education can continue in a suitable learning environment without future disruption.”
In the 2023/24 academic year, Lansdowne Primary School had to close on four occasions to address urgent issues such as roof and ceiling leaks, water damage to electrics, unsafe windows, failing stonework, drainage problems, and rainwater damage. Surveyor reports indicate that while health and safety risks can be mitigated, they cannot be fully eliminated. The extensive repairs required would necessitate significant investment and disruptive works, making it impossible to keep pupils on site due to safeguarding and health and safety concerns.
If agreed and once the current Lansdowne Primary School is vacated, the buildings would be secured and maintained to protect the building and ensure safety of the site. Proposals for the future of primary provision in the Fitzalan High School catchment area will be brought forward in due course, in line with the Council’s Education Investment Strategy.
Cardiff Council’s Cabinet will be updated on the condition of Lansdowne Primary School and will be recommended to agree on an appropriate solution in light of the risks at its meeting on Thursday 23rdJanuary 2025.
