Detailed information about plans to provide Penygawsi Primary School with a new 21stCentury building in autumn 2023 are now available to view online and in the community – and residents can give their feedback up until November 24.
The proposals would utilise potential funding from Welsh Government’s 21st Century Schools and Colleges Programme, which the Council is currently of applying for. It follows Cabinet’s agreement in September 2020 to submit an initial business case to secure Mutual Investment Model (MIM) funding – the revenue funding route for Band B of the 21st Century Schools Programme.
The funding application process continues, and will be finalised during spring 2022. If successful, it would be used to invest in new facilities for Pontyclun Primary, Llanilltud Faerdref Primary and Penygawsi Primary – all of which would receive a new school building. The schools are within areas of rapid housing development and each require investment to be fully-accessible and brought up to a 21st Century School standard.
In relation to Penygawsi Primary School in Llantrisant, the funding would provide a new two-storey building on the existing school site, and would target Net Zero Carbon in operation. Opening in September 2023, it would replace the current school buildings and temporary accommodation which are in poor condition – providing capacity for 310 pupils plus 45 nursery places, which is an increased total to meet the forecasted demand for school places locally.
The wider development would provide a two-court Multi Use Games Area, a new playing field and a car park. It would provide a stimulating learning environment through brand new internal and external facilities fit for the 21st Century – while also including some provision for wider community use.
In partnership with WEPCo Ltd, the Council is now consulting local residents over the plans in an engagement exercise up until November 24. This Pre Application Consultation provides an opportunity to provide feedback on the initial plans, before a final planning application is submitted in the future.
Throughout the consultation, plans for the new school building will be put on display at Llantrisant Community Library (at Southgate Park, CF72 8DJ). This will be complemented by a public ‘drop-in’ event to be held locally – enabling residents to view the plans and have their say in person to Officers. The final arrangements for this event will be communicated to residents in due course.
Councillor Joy Rosser, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Cabinet Member for Education and Inclusion Services, said: “Over the next four weeks, the community can find out more about proposals to invest in Penygawsi Primary School, and provide feedback on initial plans to replace the current building and temporary classrooms with a brand new school. Using 21st Century Schools funding from Welsh Government, the project aims to significantly upgrade facilities and provide new opportunities for our young people.
“The investment would carry on our excellent recent track record of delivering new facilities across the County Borough – adding to the growing list of schools earmarked for investment. Earlier this summer, work got underway at Ysgol Rhydywaun and YGG Aberdâr to deliver £12.1m and £4.5m projects, following on from a £10.2m new building for Hirwaun Primary School last year.
“The Council also continues to progress a 21st Century Schools investment of more than £55m across Cilfynydd, Hawthorn, Rhydyfelin and Beddau, scheduled for completion by 2024. Cabinet Members also recently approved initial proposals for significant projects in Llanharry, Cymer, Glyn-coch, Penrhys, Llantwit Fardre and Talbot Green, along with a new special school.
“I’d urge local residents to have their say on the Penygawsi Primary School proposals before the November 24 deadline – by visiting the consultation homepage which is now online, or by visiting Llantrisant Community Library where the plans are on display. There will also be an opportunity for face-to-face conversations with Officers in a local community ‘drop-in’ event, now that Covid restrictions allow. Full details will be communicated to residents once finalised.
“This consultation is being run alongside very similar exercises for the two other proposed projects under the Mutual Investment Model – which are planned for Llanilltud Faerdref Primary and Pontyclun Primary by 2023.”
A dedicated webpage has been created to host the consultation, available to view here
