Building will begin in July on a long-awaited £22 million "world-class" special school in Newtown.

Wynne Construction workers will finally get to start replacing the current "very poor accommodation" at Ysgol Cedewain for pupils aged from two to 19 who have a wide range of complex educational, sensory, and physical needs.

The new building is expected to be ready for staff and pupils to move in after the October half term break in 2023, followed by the outdoor play facilities, multi-use games area and play areas which will be completed by March 2024.

New facilities will include a hydrotherapy pool, sensory room and garden, and a community café which will help staff teach in a fit-for-purpose school, which will also have a specialist Sixth Form and early years provision.

Powys County Council, who is funding 25 per cent of the project, said parents will have the confidence that their children are being supported within the best facilities and accommodation.

Cllr Pete Roberts, Cabinet Member for a Learning Powys, said: “I’m extremely pleased that work to build a new replacement school for Ysgol Cedewain will begin shortly. This project will see the council provide a world-class facility for the county’s most vulnerable learners.

“I would like to thank the Welsh Government for their approval, which will allow the council to provide an environment where teaching staff and thrive and give vulnerable learners the facilities that meets their needs, they benefit from and enables them to enjoy learning.”

 

An artists impression of the new Ysgol Cedewain building in Newtown.

An artist's impression of the new Ysgol Cedewain building in Newtown.

 

The project can now proceed after the Welsh Government, who will fund 75 per cent of the project costs under its Sustainable Communities for Learning Programme, approved the council’s Full Business Case.

Jeremy Miles, Minister for Education and Welsh Language, said: “We want to help provide children and young people across Wales with the best learning environments which will enable all our learners to thrive. I’m really pleased that, through our Sustainable Communities for Learning Programme, we’re able to support this exciting new project at Ysgol Cedewain and I look forward to visiting once the new building is complete.”

With an internal floor area of 5146 square metres, the new school will be more than double the size of the current one.

A Multi Use Games Area (MUGA), yard and sports pitch is part of the proposal and provision will be made for 45 parking spaces including four electric charging bays.