Earlier today (Wednesday, 18 January), an official ground breaking ceremony was held to mark the start of work to build a new Net Zero Carbon extension at Ysgol y Graig, Llangefni.
Upon completion of the new Foundation Phase building, Ysgol y Graig’s capacity will increase from 330 to 480 (along with 68 in the nursery and a care unit for up to 50 pre-school age children). This increased capacity will meet the increased demand for primary education as a result of housing developments in the catchment area.
Pupils, governors and Ysgol y Graig’s head-teacher, Meinir Roberts, joined representatives from Isle of Anglesey County Council and Wynne Construction to officially mark the start of construction of the build.
The cost of the new Foundation Phase unit will be in the region of £10.5 million, with funding provided by the Isle of Anglesey County Council and Welsh Government.
Anglesey's Education and Welsh Language Portfolio Holder, Councillor Ieuan Williams, said, "It’s fantastic to see the start of work to build the new Foundation Phase unit at Ysgol y Graig.”
He added, “Anglesey’s School Modernisation Programme began in 2012. This project will support the programme’s aim of creating the best possible educational environment for our children, teachers and head-teachers to succeed and promote high standards.”
After the new Foundation Phase unit is open, its Net Zero Carbon design will mean that it doesn’t use more energy than it generates. This will be achieved through:
- enhanced insulation and low air permeability
- photovoltaic panels (825m2) on the roof of the new Foundation Phase unit generating 134,000 kWh of electricity per annum saving approximately 25 tonnes of carbon dioxide per year
- lights which will be 100% low energy and will have energy efficient controls
Anglesey’s Climate Change Portfolio Holder, Councillor Nicola Roberts, said, “A new, modern and fit for purpose building will ensure the best facilities and environment for children within Ysgol y Graig’s catchment area.”
She added, “I’m delighted that the new Foundation Phase unit at Ysgol y Graig has been designed to be a Net Zero Carbon building. It also highlights our commitment to tackling climate change and promoting biodiversity through our new builds.”
The new Foundation Phase unit will provide much needed capacity, allowing the school to welcome more children from the catchment area.
Ysgol y Graig’s Head-Teacher, Meinir Roberts, said, “We are really pleased to see the work get underway. The new Foundation Phase unit will provide us with extra space to welcome new pupils to Ysgol y Graig. This new building is essential to provide greater capacity following recent housing developments in our catchment area. Its construction means we will be able to provide local children with improved facilities.”
Wynne Construction has been appointed as build contractor, and the new school extension should be ready by spring 2024.
Graham Dickson, contracts manager, Wynne Construction said: “We are very proud to be, once again, working on a new-build school project with the Ynys Môn team and indeed, proud of our long-term relationship with them. Wynne Construction was fortunate to have built the existing original Ysgol Y Graig over ten years ago, implementing many sustainable features at that time, and are really excited to start this new provision for the foundation pupils at the school.”
“As always, throughout the construction phase, we will look to leave a lasting legacy by creating jobs, providing skills and training opportunities for the local supply chain and through wider socio-economic benefits to the community of Llangefni. The building will be a modern 21st century school facility and we will ensure that the pupils are engaged throughout with site visits and talks from our team. We look forward to getting the project underway.”
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Ends 18 January 2023