First glimpse of ‘new Maesydre’

Welshpool Town Council will be discussing Powys County Council’s (PCC) plans to refurbish Ysgol Maesydre, making it fit for Ysgol Gymraeg y Trallwng to move there.

On Wednesday evening, the town council’s planning committee will be discussing the proposals as part of a pre-application consultation, which is a legal stipulation before a formal application is submitted. It comes to an end on January 21.

In late 2017, PCC’s £13 million scheme to build Welshpool’s New Church in Wales School and Ysgol Gymraeg y Trallwng at the same time, were thrown into chaos.

CADW, the Welsh Government’s historic building and environment service, had been contacted by people concerned that Ysgol Maesydre would be demolished as part of the dual schemes.

In March 2018, CADW confirmed the site had been given listed status as it is: “Of special historic interest as a well-preserved example of an important Welsh school type.”

It resulted in a sharp increase in the overall budget.

Building work on the new Welshpool Church in Wales School has been going on for several months, while new plans for Ysgol Maesydre needed to be drawn up.

Education portfolio holder Cllr Myfanwy Alexander said: “This is another significant milestone in this project which underlies the council’s commitment to giving families throughout Powys the opportunity to benefit from Welsh-medium education.

“These exciting designs combine 21st century learning spaces with respect for local heritage.

“The thing we want for our children is that they can fulfil their dreams and ambitions, here they will grow strong wings that can take them anywhere in the world.”

In December (2018) dozens of people took the chance to meet contractors Dawnus, architects Architype, Powys County Council and Heart of Wales Property Services staff and take a first look at designs for the new school.

The plans showcased an innovative and unique project for the town, with a 21st Century school being developed alongside a historical building.

Ysgol Gymraeg y Trallwng, which operates from the former Ardwyn Nursery and Infants School, opened in September 2017.

The Welsh-medium school is part of a driver to see the number of Welsh speakers in Powys increase.

From the last census in 2011, Welshpool only has 9% of the population speaking Welsh. If the lofty target set by the Welsh Government of one million Welsh speakers by 2050 is to be reached, this would need to increase considerably.

The new school, which will accommodate 150 pupils, is expected to be open in September 2020.