Works starts on multi-million pound school upgrade

PENTRE’R Graig Primary is the latest school in Swansea to get a multi-million pound upgrade to boost the education facilities it offers its pupils.

Swansea Council has gained planning consent and has started work to provide pupils and staff with a safe, sound, and fit for purpose 21st century learning environment.

The scheme involves a £2.7 million upgrade to the existing buildings and a small extension. It will address priority areas of backlog maintenance and remove an aging and failing demountable building too.

The cost is being split 50/50 between the Welsh Government and the local authority.

Cllr Jen Raynor, Swansea Council Cabinet Member for Education, said: “Pupil attainment is a top priority and this really clever project makes the most of the existing school but brings it up to date so it can meet the needs of 21 century learning.

“It has been designed with children and how they best learn in mind and will have a very positive impact on the education of every one of the three to 11 year olds who attend the school in the years to come.

“As with all our school investments we will also be ensuring that it is an investment in the local community too bringing benefits including training opportunities for local people.”

The Pentre’r Graig project includes removal of a demountable classroom, refurbishment of existing buildings, and changes to the layout and use of classrooms to create modern and flexible learning spaces to help youngsters attain their full potential.

The proposal also includes a small scale extension to link the two existing buildings to enable improved flow between classrooms and reduce disruption to learning. There will be additional ramp access to the rear of the school

The scheme is part of Swansea Council’s QEd 2020 programme to increase education attainment by improving learning environments.

It is also part of a programme to replace inadequate and unsuitable demountable accommodation which has seen a total of 92 temporary buildings removed over the last 17 years including most recently new classroom schemes at Glyncollen and Newton Primaries.

Pentre’r Graig will remain open throughout the improvement works which will be phased over around 18 months to minimise disruption to school life.

The Council’s own Corporate Building and Property Services will be the principle contractor for the works at the school. During the proposed works the council will use local suppliers, where possible, for materials and products. Contractors will be encouraged to employ local workers and offer work experience to unemployed young people.

Pentre’r Graig Primary School in Morriston was created in September 2011 following amalgamation of Pentrepoeth Infant School, Pentrepoeth Junior School and Graig Infant School.