CHILDREN joined their teachers and Gwynedd council officials at a ceremonial turf cutting to mark construction of their new £8M school.
Work has finally started on the project to create a new home for the ageing Ysgol Treferthyr – 500m west of the existing school in Criccieth.
The project had been delayed for several years due to a number of issues including ongoing planning matters, work to establish safe access routes, rising costs and an archaeological investigation.
Ahead of the scheme a prehistoric ‘cist’ burial site was found in the area.
The original plans were submitted in 2021, and planning permission was granted in September 2022, after further work.
The council also pointed to a “steady and substantial ” increase in the cost of materials, energy and building costs, which meant the original budget of around £5m was no longer viable.
The new school will feature six classrooms with external access, a hall, kitchen and a multi-purpose room.
The outside area will have a hard surface space for play, a multi-use games area and a grass playing field.
It will also include an early years unit and additional learning assessment facility.
It is hoped the scheme will be completed by September, 2024.
The project has been funded by the Welsh Government through the Sustainable Communities for Learning Programme and Cyngor Gwynedd and will offer 150 places.
The ground was cut by Councillor Beca Brown Cyngor Gwynedd Cabinet member for education watched by learners from Ysgol Treferthyr.
They were joined by the school’s head and deputy head, chair of governors and Councillor Elwyn Jones, the chair of Cyngor Gwynedd.
Officers also attended from the council’s education and housing and property departments, the chair of Criccieth Town Council and Wynne Construction team.
An application to increase the funding to just over £8m was later approved by both the council’s Cabinet and Welsh Government.
The council had also secured extra funding through various other Welsh Government grants.
Councillor Beca Brown said: “I’m delighted to see work start on the new school which, when finished, will provide modern facilities for the children of Criccieth and allow them to reach their full potential.
“Although the old school has been a much-loved feature of the town, I’m confident that the learners, their families and the teaching staff will be excited by the prospect of the new school.”
Karena Owens, Head of Ysgol Treferthyr said: “School staff were active in the design process of the new building from the very beginning.
“Although the project has had to overcome several obstacles over the past few years it’s great to see that the construction stage of the new building has started.
“Everyone at Ysgol Treferthyr is excited and looking forward to moving to the new site in September 2024.
“The amazing building will certainly be an excellent resource and a great educational asset for the learners, staff, governors and the community for the future.”
Andy Lea, project manager , for Wynne Construction, added: “We are really pleased to be working, once again, with Gwynedd Council on this prestigious new school for the staff and pupils of Criccieth.
“Providing a modern 21st Century school facility where young children can learn and develop in an inspirational environment is paramount and reinforces our commitment to delivering a legacy for Gwynedd as a whole.”
