Improvement works for schools continue apace
THESE are the pictures from around the construction sites bringing major improvements and a brand new school to Rhondda Cynon Taff.
The eight projects equate to a total investment of over £90m in education across the county borough.
Jointly funded by RCT Council and the Welsh Government, the works will mean state-of-the art facilities in Tonyrefail, Porth, Cymmer, Tonypandy, Ferndale and Treorchy.
Some are becoming 3-16 or 3-19 schools, while others are being given brand new facilities such as sixth form blocks or subject departments.
That’s as well as a brand new £7.2m community primary school in Cwmaman in what the council is calling an “exciting year for education”.
Councillor Joy Rosser, cabinet member for education and lifelong learning, said: “The latest images show the positive progress being made with the transformation of educational facilities in Rhondda, Tonyrefail and Cwmaman.
“These projects form part of the wider £160m investment which is being delivered to improve and modernise schools across Rhondda Cynon Taff, with support from the Welsh Government’s 21st Century Schools programme.
“These facilities will future-proof our schools in order to deliver the new curriculum for Wales.
“Such a significant investment in education is ensuring our young people can learn in modern, inspiring environments which give them the very best opportunities to reach their potential.”
Here are details of each project and how they are all progressing: Details about the project: The new community primary school being built off Glanaman Road in the heart of Cwmaman will welcome pupils from Glynhafod Junior School and Cwmaman Infants’ School – currently on two separate sites.
The wider development includes a MultiUse Games Area (MUGA), staff car park, on-site pupil drop off area, grass sports pitches, external pupil spaces, and a dedicated community room.
The latest update: Building works and the construction of the external play areas are underway, and pupils took part in a carol service in the “heart space” of the new school before Christmas. Details about the project: A £1.9m investment at Cymmer Primary School’s junior section will is creating improvements to the late Victorian-era building, 1960s building and MUGA.
The latest update: External works include roof coverings and a new entrance, while internal works include layout changes, a multi-purpose hall and commercial kitchen.
A new roof is currently being installed on the junior block.
This will be followed by internal remodelling works which will form new learning spaces and toilets within the building. Details about the project: Porth County Comprehensive School, Llwyncelyn Infants’, Porth Infants’ and Porth Junior School will become a 3-16 school, at the existing comprehensive school site.
The primary element will be a new-build, while the secondary building is being refurbished and redecorated. Existing mobile accommodation and some older buildings have already been removed. Parking and traffic arrangements on site will be “significantly improved”.
The latest update: The new Science and Design and Technology blocks are being used since they were handed over at the end of 2017. The newbuild element and external works are “progressing well”. Tonypandy Community College, Penygraig Infants’, Penygraig Junior School, Tonypandy Primary and Ysgol yr Eos will become a 3-16 school on the college site.
The primary element will be a new-build, and the existing school will be remodelled.
The development includes new science, art, ICT and technology rooms, two MUGAs, a 3G sports pitch and improved site entry and exit points.
The latest update: Two phases of refurbishment works to the 3-16 school are on course for completion by February 2018.
Some classrooms will be handed to the school at the end of January.
Additional works to redecorate classrooms in the existing school, not previously included in the project, will start soon. A £44m investment will provide state-of-the-art education and leisure facilities.
Tonyrefail Comprehensive and Tonyrefail Primary will become a 3-19 school on the current secondary site.
A new “21st Century Schools” building is also being constructed, while the existing Grade-II listed Victorian building is being remodelled.
Modern glass walkways will link the buildings. Tonyrefail Leisure Centre has received new parking, a 3G sports pitch and onsite classrooms.
The latest update: The council said good progress has been made on the Victorian block.
The new build elements have also progressed, with steel frameworks and external walls complete. Works continue on the roofs of the new build elements and, following this, external cladding will be added. Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Tonyrefail will relocate to the current Tonyrefail Primary School building, which is being refurbished.
The latest update: Preparatory works are taking place at Tonyrefail Primary School including repairs to rear steps and upgrades to wooden windows.
A tender document will be issued in the coming weeks and a contractor will be appointed to carry out refurbishment works, which are due to start during the summer holiday period of 2018. Treorchy Comprehensive School is being redeveloped with new sixth form facilities delivered alongside a brand new threestorey science block.
Existing buildings are also being refurbished to provide modern facilities for all pupils.
The school is already benefitting from two new MUGAs delivered as part of this investment, and a third will be completed and handed over to the school next year.
The latest update: New sixth form facilities were handed over in September 2017 and are being enjoyed by pupils.
The main admin block is being refurbished externally and will be complete in February.
Works to the new science block are progressing with the second phase of the refurbishment to commence later in the year. Ferndale Community School will benefit from £500,000 of investment to improve current facilities on the site, which will include new science and Design Technology facilities and toilets.
The latest update: The scope of works is being finalised and a tender document will be issued in the near future, with an anticipated start date during the summer holiday period of 2018.