A state-of-the-art learning and leisure community campus could be built as part of plans for a replacement all-through school in north Powys, the county council has said.
Powys County Council and Freedom Leisure have held early discussions to consider incorporating leisure facilities as part of the new replacement building for Ysgol Bro Hyddgen in Machynlleth.
Both organisations and Ysgol Bro Hyddgen’s senior leadership team are working together to look at the viability of combining Machynlleth’s education and leisure facilities as part of the project.
The proposals are subject to further design, investigation and feasibility work before the exact confirmation of what facilities are possible at the community campus.
The council has re-visited its plans for the replacement school after the project was delayed following the collapse of contractor Dawnus last year.
The facility will be located on the current secondary campus playing fields with the existing school building being demolished to accommodate the new community campus.
Cllr Phyl Davies, Cabinet Member for Education and Property, said: “The collapse of Dawnus has delayed our plans for a replacement school for Ysgol Bro Hyddgen.
“However, this delay has presented us with an opportunity to revisit the plans to ensure that they are fit-for-purpose and will help the school deliver the requirements of the new national curriculum that will come in from 2022.
“Providing high quality teaching and learning environments is one of the aims of our Vision 2025 and we are committed to providing a new replacement school in Machynlleth.
“If we are able to include leisure facilities, the new build would truly be a community focussed facility that would benefit learners and residents in Machynlleth and the surrounding area.”
Cllr Rachel Powell, Cabinet Member for Young People and Culture, said: “There are a number of issues with Bro Ddyfi Leisure Centre which require significant investment. It is only right that we explore the possibility of including leisure facilities as part of the new school for Ysgol Bro Hyddgen.
“If leisure facilities can be included, then we will be able to secure leisure provision for the town for many years to come.”
ENDS
MR 999 – Community campus plans for Machynlleth
