A feasibility study into a new Mynydd Cynffig Primary school in Kenfig Hill has been completed and is due to be discussed by Bridgend Council’s Cabinet this week (pdf).
Towards the end of 2020, Bridgend Council finalised the option of building a new two-form entry single-site school at the current Mynydd Cynffig junior school site. The current infant school site is said to be in a poor state of repair, made worse by a failure in the heating system in November 2019.
An outline case for a new primary school was approved by the Welsh Government towards the end of 2020.
Most of the junior school site is in BCBC’s ownership – which made it the most attractive option in the end – but BCBC is considering including neighbouring allotments and the Air Cadets centre into the proposed new school site.
BCBC are the landlord for the Air Cadets (the lease conveniently expires in September 2023) and while they would be under no legal obligation to find them an alternative place, it’s expected that both the Air Cadet centre and the allotments will be properly relocated.
The report adds that: “Restrictive covenants affecting the land will not prevent the development of the new school.”
BCBC believes that while additional parking problems are expected along Pwllygath Street from the new school, it can be managed through a new transport plan.
BCBC don’t expect to raise that much money from the sale of the infant school due to issues relating to asbestos removal and underground cables.
Officers say the existing infant school “would be marketed on the assumption of residential use”, however the report considers the possibility of the air cadets and the allotments moving there if they can’t be incorporated into the new school site.
A budget of £10.2million has already been provisionally agreed. Subject to the necessary consultations and approvals, the new school is set to open by September 2025.
