Look inside new Welshpool, Powys Welsh language school

Ysgol Gymraeg Y Trallwng will be opening its doors on May 2, following an 18-month long construction process.

Having helped with the moving process, students took a break from their final day at the old school building for a tour of the new facility, which has been built by Powys County Council and its contractor Wynne Construction.

The keys to the building were presented to teachers and pupils, with an official opening ceremony scheduled for the new school year in September.

Headteacher Angharad Davies said: “It’s unbelievable to see it all come together, a combination of the old and the new right in the middle of Welshpool.

“It’s so significant for a Welsh language school to have these kinds of resources and wonderful facility, and I think it will help ease parents into placing their children in a bilingual curriculum.

“Having a look at the new building and familiarising themselves with the space makes the children so much more eager to learn I think, and gives them a sense of ownership over the school to ease any anxieties over such a big move.

“It’s wonderful for the school as a whole, as we finally feel like Ysgol Gymraeg has a home.”

The project involved refurbishing and redeveloping a Grade 2 listed building to accommodate early years and community spaces.

Lindsey Phillips, Chair of Governors for the school, said: “It’s very exciting, especially as it’s been a long time coming with a series of challenges along the way.

The school's community room (Image: Josh Price)

The school library (Image: Josh Price)

“I’ve been involved with the project for nearly eight years, so it’s been quite a journey to have gone through planning, renovation, construction, and delays as well as a pandemic.

“I’ve been so involved with the process that it almost hasn’t quite sunk in that we’ve finally made it here. But we’ve made it here thanks to our good partnerships with Powys County Council, with school staff and with Wynne Construction.”

The corridor connecting the old and new school buildings (Image: Josh Price)

One of the classrooms (Image: Josh Price)

Wynne Construction was appointed to the role by Powys County Council, with the project backed by the Welsh Government’s Sustainable Communities for Learning Programme.

Hugh Davies, Project Manager said: “It’s been a privilege for Wynne to be involved with the build.

“The project presented a unique challenge, with two totally different buildings, two different heating systems and two different architects but I think it’s fitted together nicely.”