Tenders published for new Welshpool school

The search is underway for contractors to build Welshpool’s new Welsh speaking school, which has been beset by problems since getting the go ahead.

Powys County Council confirmed last night that a tender package to build the 150-place Ysgol Gymraeg y Trallwng at Maes-y-dre has been published.

The project has hit several major glitches since it was first mooted, including an eleventh-hour intervention by a group of former pupils to Grade II list the current building (pictured), leaving the council with no option but to integrate it with the new build at added expense.

The project was also delayed after Dawnus Construction Ltd, which was awarded the construction contract, went into administration in March 2019.

The former Ysgol Maesydre, currently occupied by Welshpool Church in Wales Primary School, will be refurbished to accommodate early years and community facilities, while a new extension will include a new school hall and classroom bases. The building will also be the first Passivhaus hybrid project in the UK.

Cllr Phyl Davies, Cabinet Member for Education and Property, said: “The publication of the tender package is a major step forward for this school building project after a disappointing delay when the previous contractor going into administration.

“Our exciting plans for Ysgol Gymraeg y Trallwng will provide our learners with 21st Century facilities while preserving and modernising a Grade II listed building for the community of Welshpool to use.

“We have a strategy to transform education in Powys and the Ysgol Gymraeg Y Trallwng new build shows our commitment to deliver this important strategy. When complete, it will provide a learning environment that will allow learners and teaching staff to thrive and reach their potential through the medium of Welsh.”

It is anticipated that construction work will commence following the completion of the Welshpool Church in Wales Primary School project on Salop Road.

The school construction project is being funded by the Welsh Government 21st Century Schools Programme and is 50% funded by Powys County Council.  The project is being delivered in partnership with Heart of Wales Property Services.