The school will bring together pupils from Bryngwyn & Queen Street campuses - both part of the Abertillery Learning Community - and will provide a fit-for-purpose, modern learning environment for children and young people. The school is being built by contractor Morgan Sindall.
A group of pupils today visited the construction site, together with the Interim Principal of Abertillery Learning Community John Wilson and the Vice Principal Kate Olsen; the Council’s Executive Member for Education Councillor Clive Meredith; ward members for Six Bells Cllr Denzil Hancock and Cllr Mark Holland and Rob Williams, the Area Director for Morgan Sindall.
Following the successful diversion of a main sewer the school build has now commenced. The foundations are complete and the steel frame is now in place.
This significant investment into educational facilities in the area has been made possible through the 21st Century Schools Programme, which provides joint funding for capital school projects from the Welsh Government and Blaenau Gwent Council.
The school is now set for completion in the summer of 2019, following some unexpected delays; mainly due to the discovery of the Welsh Water sewer which had to be diverted before work could commence.
Cllr Clive Meredith, the Council’s Executive Member for Education, said:
“It is wonderful to be on site in Six Bells today to see the progression of this exciting school build, the final piece of our 21st Century Schools Band A projects. The school will provide children and young people in the area with the first class, modern educational facilities they deserve.
“This has been made possible by partnership working between the Council and the Welsh Government through its flagship programme to improve the school estate across Wales. The Council is now excitedly working up plans for Band B projects, which also include a new primary build in Ebbw Vale, and the growth of Welsh medium education throughout the county borough.”
Interim Principal John Wilson says:
“It is hugely exciting for the whole community to be involved in this project which will present so many opportunities for its young people.”
Robert Williams, Area Director with Morgan Sindall, says:
“We were delighted to welcome the pupils; councillors and teaching staff on site today to give them an update on the school build. It’s wonderful to be working on this exciting project which will enhance the education of children in the area and will be a legacy for years to come.”