Work was recently carried out to demolish parts of the current Ysgol y Groeslon building before construction work gets underway
A £4.8 million project to build a new area school that will serve the communities of Groeslon, Carmel and Y Fron has taken a big step forward with confirmation that local Gwynedd firm, Watkin Jones Ltd have been awarded the main contract to build the new school.
Following completion of the demolition of the majority of the current Ysgol y Groeslon building, construction work on the new state-of-the-art area school will get underway on Monday the 16th of this month.
Welcoming the announcement, Councillor Gareth Thomas, Gwynedd Council Cabinet Member for Education said:
“I am delighted that work on this much-needed new school is about to get underway. Council officers have come up with an exciting design for the school, and I have no doubt that when it opens in September 2015, that the new school will provide a fantastic modern learning environment for the children of Groeslon, Carmel and Y Fron.
“Our aim is to ensure that all Gwynedd pupils have access to the very best educational facilities. We are confident that this new £4.8 million area school will certainly provide the children of these three communities with a wonderful new school that will allow them to fulfil their potential.”
Councillor Ioan Thomas, Gwynedd Council Cabinet Member who leads on property matters added:
“As a Council, our aim is to support the Gwynedd economy by keeping as much as possible of the money we invest circulating within the local area where it has the most positive impact on local jobs and businesses.
“As far as this particular project is concerned, we are pleased that a Gwynedd firm has come out on top in the open tendering process. In particular, we were impressed by the company’s commitment to using local workers, local sub-contractors and making the most of the local supply chain.
“As a result, we have a win-win situation which will deliver a first-class school for local pupils as well as providing a welcome boost for the local construction sector. We are looking forward to working with the company to implement the community benefits incorporated into the contract to make sure that the local workforce and local businesses make the most of this major investment in the local area.”
The new school will meet all of the Welsh Government’s requirements for a 21st Century School. It will include suitable classroom space, group rooms, practical areas, a modern hall, facilities for staff and various play areas for the children. The building will also achieve the highest environmental performance standards.
The area school is expected to welcome its first pupils in September of next year.
