THE collapse of construction firm Dawnus has allowed for a major remodelling of the future of Machynlleth's Ysgol Bro Hyddgen.

Dawnus went bust in March 2019, leaving three school building projects in Powys high and dry – including a new building for the all-through Ysgol Bro Hyddgen.

But at a meeting of Powys Council's cabinet on Tuesday, September 29, it was confirmed that the new project will include a new library and leisure centre replacing the current Bro Dyfi Leisure Centre – which has been allowed to happen because of the Dawnus delay.

Bro Hyddgen would also become a blueprint the council would like to replicate across the county.

The old project which was agreed by the Welsh Government in July 2017, was supposed to cost £23.2 million.

The council will now make the case to receive nearly £32.4 million from the Welsh Government for the project, which now costs £48.25 million.

Education portfolio holder Cllr Phyl Davies said: “Every cloud has a silver lining and we all remember the collapse of Dawnus and how that affected the development of this school.

“However it has allowed us to go back to the drawing board and look at exactly how to get the best out of this site.

“There is the potential to develop a completely community-focussed school with leisure and library facilities.

“I’d like to thank people for their patience, this is long overdue and what we can offer here is truly exciting.”

Machynlleth county councillor, Michael Williams said: “From the dark days of Dawnus we have emerged into the light.

“The project will undoubtedly ensure schooling, wellbeing and culture, for Machynlleth, the Dyfi Valley and further afield for many years to come.”

Plaid Cymru group leader, Cllr Elwyn Vaughan (Glantwymyn) is also the chairman of Bro Hyddgen school governor, he said: “It is a substantial investment and a large commitment by the authority.

“It will provide resources and facilities for the generations to come.”

Cllr Vaughan added that having a”Passivhaus” ecologically friendly school building would was very apt for the town that has led Wales on environmental issues.

The submission for extra funding will now go to the Welsh Government’s 21st Century School Programme for approval.