Machynlleth's rebuilt school is expected to open in four years’ time now that plans have been approved, Powys County Council says.

As plans to build a new replacement building for an all-through school in Machynlleth have reached an important milestone after planning permission was granted, the council says the school is expected to open to pupils in 2028.

Approval of the plans will allow the council to move forward with its plans to build a new 540-place school for Ysgol Bro Hyddgen as part of its Transforming Education programme.

Cllr Pete Roberts, Cabinet Member for a Learning Powys, said: “I’m delighted that the planning application for the new building for Ysgol Bro Hyddgen has been approved.

 “The new building will provide modern facilities for our pupils and teaching staff and help them to deliver an enjoyable and fulfilling education experience for everyone.

OTHER NEWS:

“This is an important strategic project for the council as it will help us deliver our commitments in the Welsh in Education Strategic Plan and increase the number of pupils being taught through the medium of Welsh. It will also help us meet the aims of our Strategy for Transforming Education in Powys.”

The new school will be built at Ysgol Bro Hyddgen’s secondary site to replace the current primary and secondary buildings.

 The council’s Planning, Taxi Licensing & Rights of Way Committee approved the planning application on October 31, after several years of development with the project dating back to 2017.

READ MORE: Machynlleth super-school approved by council

Powys Council added that new build will be funded by the Welsh Government’s Sustainable Communities for Learning Programme, which will fund 65% of the project. The remaining 35% would be funded by the council.

 When built, the replacement building will provide, flying start and early years facilities incorporated within primary school setting, secondary provision with post-16 education. Additionally incorporated are an additional learning needs centre, wellbeing provision as well as community room and all-weather pitch.

Powys councillor Elwyn Vaughan, after the plans had been confirmed, said that builders could arrive on the site to begin construction in the new year.

He said: “Now that the decision has been made, I’m looking forward to contractors arriving on the site, maybe even as soon as early 2025.”