Another step forward for Ysgol Bontnewydd

An exciting project by Cyngor Gwynedd to transform a primary school and associated resources in the village of Bontnewydd is moving ahead.

Now that the Campws Cymunedol Bontnewydd development has secured Planning permission, pupils, staff and the wider community will be pleased to see that work has begun on the site.

An £18.5 million investment is being made in the school, which will allow a modern space to provide primary education for 210 children, along with a nursery class for 30 children, a purpose-built cylch meithrin (Welsh medium playgroup), and a suitable class for pupils with Additional Learning Needs (ALN). The building will also include modern and flexible facilities for the use of the local community.

The development of the new school is made possible thanks to significant investment from the Welsh Government along with a small contribution from Cyngor Gwynedd. Ysgol Bontnewydd was one of only three schools across Wales to win a 100% investment of up to £15 million through the Government's Sustainable Schools Challenge, to build eco-friendly and environmentally sustainable schools.

Councillor Dewi Jones, Cyngor Gwynedd's Cabinet Member for Education, said:

“The new school will provide a modern, sustainable and inspiring learning environment for children and the community for years to come. Getting the planning committee’s approval is another major milestone, meaning the developers can proceed to demolish the existing building over the summer holidays before construction begins.

“The development shows how low-carbon construction and circular economy principles can be implemented in public projects.

“For example, the new school will reuse bricks, slate and timber from another recently deconstructed school in Bangor. Once opened, it will be one of the most ambitious schools in terms of carbon reduction in Wales."

Councillor Menna Trenholme, the local member for Bontnewydd on Cyngor Gwynedd, said:

“Ysgol Bontnewydd and the centre have been at the heart of the community for generations and everyone in the community is excited to see the work begin on the school and the new community resources.

“I realise that building the new school on the same site is a challenge and that the children and their teachers have already moved into temporary classes. I'm pleased that everyone is able to pull together and that the next period will also be an opportunity for the children to take part in activities to learn about architecture and building technology.

“We're all looking forward to seeing the new school open its doors in spring 2028.”

Owain Ellis, Chair of Governors at Ysgol Bontnewydd, added:

“This is a very special time for Ysgol Bontnewydd and the community as a whole. Seeing work start on site is an important milestone on this exciting journey to achieve the goal of building a sustainable school for Ysgol Bontnewydd learners for years to come.

“We are delighted that the project has been selected as one of only three schools across Wales to win the Welsh Government's Sustainable Schools Challenge – recognition of the innovative and ambitious vision by Ysgol Bontnewydd learners and the Project Team at the heart of this scheme.

“The new campus will not only provide world-class education facilities for our children, but also create a sustainable and modern hub for the wider community. I'd like to thank everyone who has contributed to the work, and we look forward to seeing the project develop over the coming months.”

The Welsh Government’s Cabinet Minister for Education and Welsh Language, Anna Brychan said: 

“As a Sustainable Schools’ Challenge project innovating and leading the way in sustainability, this project aligns with our Manifesto and First 100-day ambition in raising educational standards and harnessing sustainable opportunities through Net Zero Carbon and Circular Economy initiatives.  I would like to add my support as the project enters the construction phase and look forward to seeing the project develop into a truly sustainable education asset serving the whole community.”

Alex Read, Director of Read Construction, said:

“The Campws Cymunedol Bontnewydd project represents an important opportunity to deliver a high-quality, low-carbon community asset in partnership with Cyngor Gwynedd. Read Construction’s focus is on working collaboratively from the outset with the design team, local stakeholders and the wider community to ensure the scheme achieves its sustainability objectives while also generating meaningful long-term value through local employment, skills development and community engagement.”