A £200 million funding boost will accelerate a flagship programme aimed at modernising and upgrading schools, meaning the scheme will be completed two year sooner than planned.
Assembly Member for Wrexham Lesley Griffiths has welcomed the Welsh Government’s announcement which will create a new generation of 21st century schools across Wales.
The £1.4 billion programme will now aim to be completed in 2018-19.
As well as providing additional capital funding, the Welsh Government have been able to accelerate the programme by striking an innovative deal with local authorities to extend borrowing powers. This decision significantly increases the ability of councils to fund major infrastructure projects.
The new £200m investment is expected to create or support around 23,000 jobs over the period of construction, providing a substantial boost to the building industry. Through the Welsh Government’s community benefits approach, the investment will also provide training and apprenticeship opportunities for people throughout Wales.
Overall, around 150 projects across Wales are expected to be funded by the 21st Century Schools Programme.
Wrexham AM Griffiths commented:
“By working in partnership with local authorities, the Welsh Government has demonstrated its commitment to major, long term capital investment programmes and is focussed on regenerating and improving schools across Wales.”
“The Welsh Government remains determined to deliver and invest in key infrastructure projects, in spite of the capital budget being cut by a third between 2010 and 2015.”
“Not only will the improved educational facilities substantially impact and improve the way young people learn, the investment will also create tens of thousands of jobs in the construction industry, providing a considerable boost to the Welsh economy.”
