Opening of new school building delayed by 'supply chain issues'

Powys Council Council had hoped to open Ysgol Gymraeg Y Trallwng by the end of this year.

But it says supply chain issues have delayed the project.

The150-place school for Ysgol Gymraeg Y Trallwng will include early years and community facilities.

The council says it is combining the old and the new with fantastic facilities while maintaining the presence of the old Ysgol Maesydre.

The old Grade II listed building will be refurbished to accommodate early years and community facilities and a new extension will be built to include a new school hall and classroom bases. The building will also be the first Passivhaus hybrid project in the UK.

Construction work began last November and was originally due to last 12 months.

Following discussions with the senior leaders at Ysgol Gymraeg Y Trallwng, it has been agreed that learners and staff will move into the new building after the Easter holidays.

Councillor Pete Roberts, the council's cabinet member for a learning Powys, said: “We’re naturally disappointed that the construction of the new school for Ysgol Gymraeg Y Trallwng has been delayed due to supply chain issues, which are beyond the council’s control.

“However, this has meant that the construction programme has had to be revised and a couple more months of building works are required.

“Once the building has been completed and handed over to the council there will be a transitioning period to ensure that school staff are familiar with their new school and that they have the necessary time to prepare it for their learners ready for the school’s opening day.”

Angharad Davies, headteacher of Ysgol Gymraeg Y Trallwng, said: “As a school, we are putting our children and staff first and decided to delay our move into the new building slightly to ensure that we have a smooth transition. Therefore, we will be moving into our new building after the Easter holidays.

“Although we are excited about our new school building, a new building does not mean an excellent education. Excellent education is the product of the people with it and around it. We have proven this at Ysgol Gymraeg Y Trallwng not only in the last week but since we opened in 2017.

“Welsh-medium education in Welshpool is thriving and the new building will help us build on the excellent education we are already providing.”