Work to transform secondary education in Barry is continuing as a major redevelopment project at St Richard Gwyn Catholic High School moves forward.
The improvements are part of the Vale of Glamorgan Council’s Sustainable Communities for Learning Programme, which has already delivered new and upgraded facilities at several schools across the town.
Back in 2020, new school buildings were constructed at Pencoedtre High School and Whitmore High School, while Ysgol Gymraeg Bro Morgannwg was significantly extended. Each school now features modern classrooms, updated facilities and improved equipment designed to support learning.
St Richard Gwyn Catholic High School is now set to benefit from similar investment. The project, being delivered by contractor Morgan Sindall, will replace older buildings with new functional spaces designed to accommodate more than 1,100 pupils.
Councillor Rhiannon Birch, Vale of Glamorgan Council Cabinet Member for Education, Arts and the Welsh Language, said: “The redevelopment of St Richard Gwyn is part of our Sustainable Communities for Learning Programme that has seen similar improvements made to school facilities across the Vale.
“Residents have told us how important schools are to them. They want to see investment in education and this scheme reflects that.
“It follows work at Pencoedtre, Whitmore and Bro Morgannwg, completing the transformation of secondary education in Barry, with pupils across the town now taught in state-of-the-art environments, giving them the very best platform for success.
“When combined, these projects represent the most significant regeneration Barry has ever seen and will be followed by the creation of a new Cardiff and Vale College campus at Barry Waterfront.
“There has been plenty of other regeneration work at the waterfront, with historic buildings turned into the Pumphouse and Goodsheds, plans to create a watersports centre at the mole and proposals for the Council’s Dock office to be remodelled into a business incubator space.
“All of this comes alongside extensive upgrading work carried out at Barry Island.”
Construction of the new St Richard Gwyn building is expected to be completed by the end of next year, with the demolition of the existing buildings scheduled for completion by December 2028.
The redevelopment will include a range of new facilities designed to support both education and wellbeing. External quiet spaces filled with greenery will be created, alongside a cycle shelter with a repair station to encourage active travel.
Inside the school, the hall will feature a full sound system and lighting for performances, while the canteen will be complemented by a snack bar offering light meals and drinks.
The site will also include specialist provision for children with Additional Learning Needs, as well as a 3G sports pitch and a multi use games area that will be available to both the school and the wider community.
Sustainability has been built into the design of the new facilities. The buildings will use eco friendly materials and energy efficient systems, including solar power to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
A green roof made up of vegetation will also be installed, helping with drainage management and delivering ecological benefits.
The project forms part of the council’s wider Project Zero commitment to become carbon neutral by 2030.
Meanwhile, work is continuing on Ysgol Llyn Derw, a second site for Ysgol y Deri that will cater for pupils with special educational needs. That development is expected to be completed by the summer.
