Work is set to start in February on a new building for Welshpool's only Welsh-medium primary school.

North Wales construction company Wynne Construction Ltd has been appointed by Powys County Council to build the 150-place school in Howell Drive for Ysgol Gymraeg Y Trallwng.

Powys Council has agreed to pay an extra £1.35 million to meet additional costs for the project.

Cllr Phyl Davies, Cabinet Member for Education and Property, said: “It’s great that this project has moved a step closer after experiencing some setbacks that were completely beyond the control of the council.

“Our exciting plans for Ysgol Gymraeg y Trallwng will provide our learners with 21st Century facilities while preserving and modernising a Grade II listed building for the community of Welshpool to use."

The new school will also be the first Passivhaus hybrid project in the UK which combines the old Grade II-listed building with a new extension which will include classrooms and a school hall.

Work on the development, which is being funded by the Welsh Government’s 21st Century Schools Programme and is 50 per cent funded by the council, is due to start next month.

County Times: Plans for the new school in Howell Drive.Plans for the new school in Howell Drive.

Plans are now going ahead after the building's former occupant Welshpool Church in Wales Primary School moved into their new site in Salop Road.

Progress with building work has been delayed during the last three years when construction company Dawnus went into administration and the coronavirus pandemic.

Pupils and staff at Ysgol Gymraeg y Trallwng have been based at the former Ardwyn Nursery and Infant School since the school's formation in 2017.

Cllr Davies added: “We have a strategy to transform education in Powys and the Ysgol Gymraeg Y Trallwng new build shows our commitment to deliver this important strategy. When complete, it will provide a learning environment that will allow learners and teaching staff to thrive and reach their potential through the medium of Welsh.

“We look forward to working with Wynne Construction for the duration of this project.”

The Denbighshire-based company will be required to provide substantial opportunities for local contractors as well as deliver additional community benefits during the scheme’s construction.

Meet the Buyer events will be arranged shortly so that local contractors and suppliers have the opportunity to meet Wynne Construction as part of the scheme.

Chris Wynne, Managing Director of Wynne Construction said: "Having built up a wealth of experience in schools and college throughout North Wales, we are delighted to have been awarded this prestigious contract by Powys County Council and to be working with them for the first time.

“We are extremely pleased to be working in mid-Wales and to have gained a successful contract win through the SEWSCAP3 framework.  We look forward to working together with Powys and their key stakeholders, the school and local community to deliver this inspirational learning environment.

“We aim to deliver lasting socio-economic and community benefits for the project, including local employment, training and development opportunities.”