Morgan Sindall Construction has successfully delivered the Pre-Construction phase for Ysgol Gymraeg Bro Penfro in Pembroke following Pembrokeshire County Council’s approval of the planning application.
The new Welsh medium primary will provide places for 210 pupils aged between 5 and 11, as well as a 30-place nursery provision and a Cylch Meithrin for children under the age of three.
The tier one contractor is expected to start work in May 2022 subject to funding from Welsh Government and is planned to open in September 2023.
The school will be located on the site of the old Pembroke School at Bush Hill, near Henry Tudor School.
Rob Williams, area director at Morgan Sindall Construction, said: “We are extremely proud to play a part in building a school which will support teaching in Welsh.
“We will work collaboratively with the council and Welsh Government to deliver a school with reflects the need for state-of-the-art 21stcentury educational facilities.
“Having worked extensively across the region on educational facilities, we know how important schools are when it comes to nurturing and inspiring young people and helping towns and villages to stay vibrant.”
Pembrokeshire County Council’s cabinet member for education and lifelong learning, Cllr Guy Woodham, said he was delighted the project had received planning permission. He said: “We’re really excited that this project is progressing and has been granted planning approval.
“It’s great news for Pembroke and the surrounding area and will go a long way towards expanding Welsh language education locally.”
“In 2023 we hope to open Ysgol Gymraeg Bro Penfro, replacing the dual stream provision at Ysgol Gelli Aur.”
Cllr Cris Tomos, a cabinet member for environment and the Welsh language, echoed Cllr Woodham’s comments in relation to the achievements made to date with regard to Welsh medium education. He said: Children educated in Welsh at primary school have a wonderful life skill – the ability to communicate in two languages – as well as the enjoyment of a whole world of Welsh-language culture and great career opportunities when they’re older.
“It’s a great gift and I’m delighted at the progress being made.”
Cllr Aaron Carey, head of the temporary governing body for Ysgol Gymraeg Bro Penfro, said: “I am very pleased that this important milestone has been reached in developing the school. A lot of work has already been put in by officers from PCC and the volunteers of the temporary governing body and I would like to extend my thanks to them all.”
Last year, Morgan Sindall Construction handed over £27m Cefn Saeson Comprehensive School and £10.2m Hirwaun Primary School. It is currently working on the new £48.7m Haverfordwest High VC School at Prendergast which is due for completion in the summer of 2022. It will accommodate 1500 pupils aged 11-16 and 250 sixth form pupils.
The tier one contractor was also recently appointed to deliver a new 1,900-place school in Monmouthshire, where it will redevelop the existing King Henry VIII Secondary School site for Monmouthshire County Council.
