PLANS to rebuild and expand a Cwmbran school as part of an £11.5-million project promising to create a “world-class educational facility” have been lodged with Torfaen council. These are the first images showing how the new Maendy Primary School could look following the rebuild.
The plans will almost double the number of primary school places, from 231 to 420, while nursery places will also be increased from 24 to 30, helping to meet an expected increase in demand from a 1,200-home development being built in South Sebastopol. An Additional Learning Needs assessment centre, Flying Start and childcare unit are also included in the proposals for the Pontnewydd school.
The long-term ambition is for all existing school buildings to be demolished and replaced, once the new development is completed. It will be the council’s first low-carbon, energy-efficient school project, and will also see a new site entrance created from Maendy Way. A design and access statement says the new school will provide “a high quality, sustainable educational facility for the local community”.
“The proposed development will significantly improve the education provision for this part of Cwmbran, providing a facility for the community that will ensure future generations have enhanced opportunities for learning,” it says.
A new T-junction off Maendy Way is proposed for vehicles to access the site, replacing the current ‘restricted’ arrangements from the Northville estate. New landscaping is also proposed, with grassland, a wildflower meadow, hedge and tree planting along Maendy Way planned to improve the appearance of the development.
The plans include 52 parking spaces for staff and visitors, alongside 38 cycle parking spaces which will be sheltered. A Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA), an under 11 football pitch, a forest schools’ area and social play space are also included in the redevelopment.
The scheme will result in the loss of one MUGA, as there are currently two, but a planning statement says the new facilities will be of higher quality which “mitigates for any quantity loss”.
Torfaen council’s cabinet have already voiced support for the development, planned to open in September 2023, with councillors saying the scheme will provide “a world-class educational facility”.
The project, part of the council’s 21st-century schools programme, is expected to cost £11.46-million, with the Welsh Government providing 65 per cent of the total, equating to £7.45-million.
Torfaen council will assess the plans in the coming months.
