A WIDE RANGE of projects, including a £95 million scheme for three newly built replacement schools, will now move forward following Bridgend County Borough Council’s latest Capital Programme being approved at full Council.
Heronsbridge School, Mynydd Cynffig Primary and Ysgol Gymraeg Bro Ogwr will all receive new build replacement schools as part of Welsh Government’s School Modernisation Programme.
The work will predominantly be funded by Welsh Government, however under the grant conditions the council also has to make a contribution. In order for the projects to progress, additional funding has now been approved due to the overall cost of the schemes increasing because of factors such as COVID-19, the war in the Ukraine, increased costs in the building sector and energy price increases.
Just under £6.2 million has been allocated for the replacement Heronsbridge School, £1.7 million for Mynydd Cynffig and £800,000 for Ysgol Gymraeg Bro Ogwr.
As part of a separate scheme, Coety Primary School will receive an additional £330,000 as part of plans to construct a four-class room extension. This will help to keep up with the demand for places given the continued growth of the local area around the school.
On top of the school modernisation funding, £1 million has been added to the next phase of children’s play area refurbishments, £500,000 will go towards the Community Asset Transfer Fund which plays a key part in allowing community groups to take over the management of facilities such as playing fields and tennis courts and the highways refurbishment programme will benefit from £1 million.
Cllr John Spanswick, Leader of Bridgend County Borough Council, said: “The latest Capital Programme shows our commitment to investing responsibly into local services as part of a long-term approach which not only ensures that current residents will benefit but future generations too.
“We have worked through the Capital Programme in lots of detail and have assessed what projects are both realistic for us to deliver and a strategic priority for us as a council.
“The school modernisation investment is particularly pleasing as these projects demonstrate our ambition for young people to meet their potential right across Bridgend County Borough.
“It’s also great to see that such a wide range of projects are listed in the programme and I look forward to seeing these projects progress in the coming years.”
