Work Starts on £3m Extension to Penycae Primary School

Work has started on a £3 million extension at a Wrexham primary school.

The works, which are being undertaken at Ysgol Penycae, will bring the former infant and junior schools together under one roof. The move follows the amalgamation of both schools in 2007.

Preparatory works at the site have so far included building a new play area  and purchasing new land to accommodate the new school and building compound.

Cllr Joan Lowe, Chair of Governors at Ysgol Penycae, said it was ‘exciting to see the  start of works on our new building which will bring everyone under one roof’.

“In order to ensure that children have positive aspirations, learn and achieve their full potential it is essential they have a modern environment in which to teach and learn,” added Cllr Lowe.

“This new building will give that environment and I look forward to its completion later this year.”

Read Construction will be undertaking the works which are expected to be completed by September.

Gareth Rowlands, Contracts Manager for Read Construction, said:  “Read are pleased to start work on this significant extension scheme at Ysgol Penycae, and to be working alongside Wrexham County Borough Council once again to improve local education facilities.

“This project will provide a 21st Century, modern learning environment for the school and provide a boost to the local economy.”

The works at Ysgol Penyae are being carried out under the Welsh Government’s 21st Century Schools and Education Programme which provides 50% of the funding for schools improvements with Wrexham Council providing the remaining funding.

The Programme aims to transform the learning experience of students ensuring they are taught in classrooms with the technologies and facilities needed to deliver a 21st Century curriculum.

Across Wrexham a number of schools have benefited from the 21st Century Schools programme, including Caia Park, where two new schools have been built to replace Hafod y Wern and Gwenfro primary schools.

The investment of £10 million on these sites continues as works to demolish the original schools is currently taking place.

A total of £2 million has been invested in Ysgol Plas Coch and Alexandra school – with both schools benefiting from new extensions and state-of-the-art facilities.

A further £6.3 million investment is underway at Gwersyllt Primary, Ysgol Clywedog and Ysgol Bryn Alyn.