A £15m investment to transform facilities at a comprehensive school in Swansea has been completed.
Swansea Council deputy-leader David Hopkins has officially opened the refurbished and remodelled Bishopston Comprehensive this week.
The past three years have seen major improvements to the school that include a new two-storey extension providing science labs, a state-of-the-art drama studio and art classrooms, while the school now benefits from a new reception and senior leadership area.
The whole site has undergone a significant mechanical and electrical upgrade making a huge difference to the teaching and communal areas.
The £15m project cost has been jointly funded by Swansea Council and the Welsh Government as part of a £150m investment in new and improved schools in Swansea under the Sustainable Communities for Learning Programme.
Cllr Hopkins said: “In Swansea we are investing record sums in our school buildings to give pupils and staff the very best surroundings in which to work and learn.”
Council Cabinet Member for Education and Learning Robert Smith added: “I’m exceptionally proud of what has been delivered here in Bishopston as well as all the other major improvements taking place in our schools across Swansea.
“We are of course grateful to our colleagues in Welsh Government and I must thank the contractors Kier Construction Western & Wales and the school leadership team for working so closely together to keep any disruption during this complex construction to an absolute minimum.”
Education and Welsh Language Minister Jeremy Miles said: “Well-designed buildings are so important for learners and staff; to support wellbeing and to deliver high standards and aspirations for all.
“I want our schools to be inspiring places to learn and to teach, which is why I have invested almost £9.5m for building improvements at Bishopston Comprehensive, to provide the very best learning environment for everyone to thrive.”
Work started on the upgrade in June 2020 and was carried out in phases with completed areas handed back to the school when ready.
Bishopston Headteacher Jeff Bird said it had been a complex operation to keep school life running with minimal disruption but the finished result had been worth it.
He added: “As a school community, we are delighted with the refurbishment and remodelling works undertaken.
“Faculty areas have been aligned, a new entrance and block have been built and we have received a significant mechanical and electrical upgrade to the whole site.
“Most importantly though is that the learning environment has been significantly enhanced and the state-of-the-art facilities are bound to have a positive effect on the education of so many pupils in the future.
“A significant number of visitors and parents have already commented on the huge improvements to the school and the difference it has made, whilst our pupils have thoroughly enjoyed their Ambassador roles throughout the process.”
Jason Taylor, Regional Director at Kier Construction Western & Wales, said: “The transformed school facilities now offer a new, 21st Century learning environment to the pupils and staff.
“We have worked hard to ensure the community here benefits including employing locally in our supply chain and offering apprenticeship opportunities, with 21 apprentices on site in total and over 20 jobs created.
“We look forward now to seeing the staff and pupils enjoying their new facility.”
