Delight at £12m to develop new eco school

CYNGOR Gwynedd has welcomed the Welsh Government’s announcement of a £12m investment to develop a brand new school and community centre at Bontnewydd.

It comes as Education and Welsh Language Minister Jeremy Miles said that three new net zero carbon schools would be built. The Minister agreed funding for three new sustainable schools - a capital investment of £44.7m for all three projects.

Ysgol Bontnewydd and Community Centre is the only one in North Wales to be selected, with the others in the south-east and south-west.

Applicants had to demonstrate collaboration with local communities and included school pupils in the design, delivery and management of the schools.

Ysgol Bontnewydd and Community Centre will be zero carbon in operation, and use recycled materials in its construction from two buildings on site that are due to be demolished.

It will also source materials as close as possible to the site, including timber and sheep wool insulation and will also be larger in size to meet the needs of the Curriculum for Wales.

Community facilities such as a hall, office space and car charging points will be included.

A “green and environmentally friendly ethos” is at its core, with pupils able to walk or cycle to classes, as the school will be connected to Lon Eifion.

Councillor Beca Brown, Cyngor Gwynedd’s Education Cabinet Member, said it was “great news,” and congratulated everyone involved in the application.

“It is a matter of pride that Welsh Government has chosen Ysgol Bontnewydd from applications from all over the country,” she said.

“I eagerly looking forward to seeing the work begin and to see local children benefiting educationally and socially from the school, which will provide educational and community facilities that are both accessible and green.”