A NEW school project worth almost £60 million has taken a step further in Bridgend county borough this month after the local council gave approval to tender for a “design and build contractor”.
The project plans to move Heronsbridge School from its current location on Ewenny Road, Bridgend, to a new multi- million facility based around a mile away on Island Farm.
Council bosses had previously said the benefits of the proposal would include an increased number of places for pupils with additional learning needs, as well as the introduction of potential new facilities such as a swimming pool, library, and coffee shop.
Specialist children’s residential provision, Harwood House, which is located on the existing Heronsbridge School site, is also proposed to be a part of the new facility depending on costs.
The Island Farm site in Bridgend was deemed to be the most suitable for this sort of development because of its location and size, in an area which once held a prison of war camp during the 1940s.
There have been delays to the plans for the 300 place school, which were originally expected to be completed by 2026, after uplifts in costs saw the expected value of the work increase from £34 million to around £59 million.
However, with the “necessary Welsh Government and council approvals” now in place the project can progress to the next stage with an expected completion date set for the 2027-28 academic year.
The latest approval was given unanimously by members at a council cabinet meeting held on January 14, with councillors now expecting a future report prior to them awarding the main construction contract.