Upgrade plans to boost schools
TWO Kidwelly schools could be rebuilt as the current buildings do not meet Welsh Government standards.
High specification modern buildings have been proposed for Ysgol Gymraeg Gwenllian and Ysgol y Castell, and would accommodate the demand for education in the area.
The proposed plans for Ysgol Gymraeg Gwenllian include the construction of a new 210-place Welshmedium school and 30-place nursery with associated access, car parking, sports pitch and multi-use games area on land east of Parc Pendre in Kidwelly.
A design and access statement by Asbri Planning Ltd states that: “The traditional Victorian school building lacks the contemporary facilities to enhance the teaching of the curriculum.
“The current school is located on a very confined site, surrounded by residential development at each of its boundaries. There is no opportunity for expansion at the site.”
It is proposed that the existing Ysgol y Castell would be demolished and redeveloped into a new 270-place, Englishmedium primary with 30-place nursery and up to 23 full-time places for Early Years provision, as well as a car park, sports pitch and a multi-use games area.
The design and access statement explains that the new school building will be built on the playing fields of the existing school site.
It says: “There is a stated desire from the head teacher of the school to offer access to the facilities such as the sports pitch and Muga to the local community outside school hours, this will be undertaken via a booking arrangement school.
“The car park was seen as an essential consideration within this proposal. It is recognised there is an overwhelming need to address the issues of congestion at peak times and lack of street parking for parents when taking pupils to and from the school.” Residents are with the being asked their views over the next four weeks.
The major investment would be part of Carmarthenshire Council’s modernising education programme, jointly funded by the council and the Welsh Government.
A planning application is expected to be submitted following the consultation period, which runs until November 28, and feedback from the consultation will form part of the planning process.
The council’s executive board member for education and children’s services, councillor Glynog Davies said: “These new buildings would provide facilities suitable for education in the 21st Century.”