The Welsh Assembly’s minister for social justice and local government, Carl Sargeant (pictured), will visit Blaenavon on Monday 5 July to cut the first sod at a pioneering £13million school.
The 450-place Blaenavon Heritage VC Primary School will replace the existing schools and accommodate all primary school-aged children from the town. It will also feature a 130-place nursery.
Its name was chosen following a competition for local school pupils and is an amalgamation of names suggested by Hillside Primary pupils, Gethin Jones and Steffan Thomas. Gethin suggested Hopkins Heritage School, while Steffan put forward Ysgol Blaenavon Heritage Campus.
The leader of Torfaen council, councillor Bob Wellington, said: “I am absolutely delighted the main construction work on this state-of-the-art facility is beginning. Blaenavon Heritage VC Primary School will be at the cutting edge of education – one of the best of its kind in Wales.
“This combined facility is another shining example of our commitment to the innovative design and delivery of services in Torfaen.
“Through projects such as this, we continue to ensure the delivery of high quality, value for money services that improve the quality of life and environment for our citizens and communities.
“While the current nursery and primary schools are good schools, the buildings are no longer fit for purpose and do not meet modern teaching and learning needs.
“Blaenavon Heritage VC Primary School will transform this and provide first-class facilities to Blaenavon youngsters for generations to come.”
The school will have a strong community focus. It will be physically linked to community leisure facilities, including a two-court sports hall, dance studio, fitness suite and external multi-use games area.
Carl Sargeant said: “Blaenavon Community Campus is a great example of public bodies working together to provide a range of services for the local community. Joining forces and sharing facilities can save money and free up cash for front line services.
“The campus itself will offer some fantastic services, all in one place, for the people of Blaenavon, north Torfaen and Heads of the Valley area and I look forward to the completion of this exciting development.”
Construction work on Blaenavon Heritage VC Primary School is scheduled for completion in early 2012.
