A turf cutting ceremony has taken place to mark the beginning of refurbishment works that are beginning at a local school in Johnstown.
Ysgol Yr Hafod received a multi-million pound investment as part of the 21st Schools Band B Programme with a view to redevelop the site with improved facilities.
The vision for the project will see the old school house accommodate pupils aged 3 to 11 and the school united in one site.
The start of a new chapter
With work ready to begin with Wynne Construction on the Bangor Road side of the complex, the Mayor of Wrexham, Councillor Ronnie Prince, was invited to join staff and council representatives to mark the occasion.
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Ready with spade in hand, the Mayor cut the first piece of turf on the grounds to celebrate the beginning of a new and exciting chapter in the school’s history.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Mayor said: “It has been a real pleasure to be here today to recognise this wonderful new development in our community. This will be a great benefit to the many generations that will pass through the corridors of this school as it will provide the best facilities they can give to ensure bright futures for the children of Wrexham”.
“My thanks go to everyone who has worked with the utmost dedication to bringing this project to fruition. I wish you all the very best going forward and may your achievements continue.”
Headteacher of Ysgol Yr Hafod, Mrs Alison Heale said: “It’s a very special day for us here at Ysgol Yr Hafod as this signifies the start of what is sure to be a very bright and exciting future for our school. Work is beginning in earnest and once construction is complete, we will offer the best possible facilities for the young children coming through our doors year after year.”
Also in attendance was Wrexham Council Lead Member for Education, Councillor Phil Wynn and local councillor and Chair of Governors at Ysgol Yr Hafod, Councillor David A Bithell. Cllr Wynn said: “The amalgamation of both the Infants and Junior age groups on one site will provide a streamlined provision of education for the pupils at Ysgol Yr Hafod, at the same as providing a modern school building which will serve the Johnstown community well for years to come.”
Echoing the positive sentiments, Cllr Bithell said: “This will significantly improve the educational facilities for children and staff from ages 3-11. We are working with our contractor to ensure that we communicate works as it proceeds and I am pleased that we have secured £4.5 million to bring all Children onto one site in a 21st century school. We hope to be on site in April 2023 in a new school.”
Mark Wilson, project manager at Wynne Construction, said: “We are thrilled to be starting the construction phase of the Ysgol Yr Hafod redevelopment project and this is following on from our design team who have been working closely with Wrexham CBC and key members to create a new school environment and expand the range of quality educational services the school provides.
“This development will be a significant boost to the community of Johnstown, creating a lasting legacy of sustainable communities for learning, allowing our supply chain partners to keep the project spend local where possible, and by engaging with pupils and learners to showcase construction and the built environment.
“We look forward to getting the work underway and delivering a high-quality project where the pupils will be able to further their own knowledge in a comfortable and progressive manner.”
