Official opening of multi-million pound new school

The Lord Mayor of Swansea has officially opened the new Gowerton Primary school.

Lord Mayor Cllr David Hopkins cut the ribbon to celebrate the boost to education brought about by the £6.8 million state-of-the-art facility.

The development, jointly funded by Swansea Council and the Welsh Government, has united pupils on one site for the first time in the school’s history in a facility designed to boost educational attainment for generations of children to come.

And since it opened its doors for lessons earlier this year it’s become a hit with pupils and staff alike thanks to its light and airy modern environment designed and equipped with their needs in mind.

The official opening will also celebrate the community benefits brought about as part of the school development including an upgrade of a play area which was given new equipment and an improved surface which is proving very popular with the parents and children.

As part of the school project nearby under-used tennis courts at Elba leisure facilities have also been transformed into a hi-tech multi-sports 3G pitch suitable for training for people of all ages and matches for younger children too.

This is utilised daily by the school through a wide range of sporting activities and the ‘Daily Mile’ initiative that is implemented by all classes.

Cllr Jen Raynor, Swansea Council Cabinet Member for Education, said: “This is momentous occasion for Gowerton and education in the city too.

“The pupils and staff are clearly delighted and inspired to make the most of the facilities they now have to make the hard work that goes into getting these projects funded, off the ground, and completed worth it.

“It’s the latest success in our QEd scheme to boost pupil attainment by giving them facilities fit for 21^st Century Learning.”

Susie Ralph, Gowerton Headteacher, said: “Our new school is inspirational, an innovative environment has been created to facilitate the highest standards of learning.”

Lyndon Mably, Chair Of Governors, said: “We are delighted with the facilities of the new school, it enables the whole Primary School to be together on one site in a well-designed learning environment.”

Gowerton Primary School was established in 2010 following the amalgamation of Tregywr Infant and Tregwyr Junior Schools.

The new school has been built on an underutilised section of The Elba and the package also boasts enhanced community facilities and plenty of green space for sports and recreation for local people as well.

It was developed by Cwmbwrla-based contractors Interserve and handed over on schedule.