Cabinet has received a progress update on the future investment projects for primary schools in Llantwit Fardre, Talbot Green and Glyncoch – agreeing to progress them to the next stage of development via Welsh Government’s Mutual Investment Model funding process.
On Monday, July 18, Cabinet considered a report relating to the proposed provision of new schools for Maesybryn Primary School (Llantwit Fardre), Tonysguboriau Primary School (Talbot Green) and the community of Glyn-coch, in the 2025/26 academic year. Last month, final approval was given to amalgamate Cefn Primary School and Craig yr Hesg Primary School in Glyn-coch by 2026, creating a larger school to serve their combined catchment area. Investment for this new primary school is sought, alongside the Maesybryn and Tonysguboriau school projects.
The projects would be delivered under the Mutual Investment Model (MIM), which is the revenue funding route in Band B of Welsh Government’s Sustainable Communities for Learning Programme (formerly the 21st Century Schools Programme). Under this model, the schemes would receive 81% of revenue funding via Welsh Government.
The first step in progressing any MIM project is to submit a Strategic Outline Case to Welsh Government, and Monday’s Cabinet report notes that this was completed for the Maesybryn, Tonysguboriau and Glyn-coch projects in early March 2022. It was subsequently approved by Welsh Government in May.
The second step is to issue a New Project Request to the Welsh Education Partnership Company (WEPCo) – Welsh Government’s private sector partner for the delivery of MIM projects. This step of the process will enable the proposals to be progressed, allowing initial design and feasibility works for the each of the new school buildings to be started.
Development of the scheme designs will include full engagement with each of the schools, governing bodies and Elected Members, as well as relevant consultations with the wider communities as the projects progress through the various development stages. The report notes that approval to further progress each project will be determined by Cabinet in the future.
Cabinet approved the New Project Request to be issued to WEPCo during Monday’s meeting, in order to progress each of the three investment projects.
Councillor Rhys Lewis, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Cabinet Member for Education, Youth Participation and the Welsh Language, said: “Cabinet have agreed with officer recommendations to progress these exciting future investment projects for Maesybryn Primary School, Tonysguboriau Primary School, and the wider community of Glyn-coch. They are part of our ongoing £252m investment in education facilities in Band B of the Sustainable Learning for Communities Programme, as we look to bring first-class facilities to even more of our pupils, staff and communities across the County Borough.
“This is the Council’s second round of Band B investment under the Mutual Investment Model, with major projects to replace the existing buildings at Llanilltud Faerdref Primary, Pontyclun Primary and Penygawsi Primary in an advanced stage. Each of these successfully received planning permission in March 2022, and works on each site are due to start in the autumn. Using the invaluable experience of this funding process, officers will now progress the projects in Llantwit Fardre, Talbot Green and Glyn-coch following Cabinet’s agreement.
“Elsewhere, work on site at YGG Aberdâr, Ysgol Rhydywaun and Ffynnon Taf Primary School are progressing well, and will become the latest investment projects to be delivered in partnership with Welsh Government, ahead of the new academic year in September. It is important to note that all developments being designed and progressed by the Council will aim to achieve Net Zero carbon in operation, conforming to our Climate Change commitments.”
Posted on 22/07/2022