New School
With the proposed new school complex, the original completion date was 2009. The date now appears to be moving to 2012. Are these dates just plucked from thin air? What is the true breakdown and timescale for this project? What are the residents of Blaenavon supposed to do in the meantime?
The initial 2009 date was based on a construction led assessment of when the school could conceivably be built, based on the statutory timetable around school closure and indicative build times. The Council’s capital programme is subject to a wide range of demands and the 2012 date which has subsequently arisen is led by a projection of when the Council would be able to provide its share of the capital cost to build the facility.
In the meantime the schools will continue to operate as they are. Primary children curriculum swimming requirements will be met by continuing to support the provision of transport to Pontypool Active Learning Centre; in addition the scheduling of swims in all Torfaen pools will be reviewed to help improve access. In terms of recreation provision we are exploring the feasibility of including some earlier provision, such as a fitness suite, in the proposed Primary Care Resource Centre, which will form part of the integrated campus proposal and could be open by 2010. In any event good facilities are available within reasonable travel distance.
It is anticipated that the new school won’t be completed until 2012. Why will it take so long and what happens about leisure facilities in the meantime?
The Council’s capital programme is subject a wide range of demands and the 2012 date is led by a projection of when the Council would be able to provide its share of the capital cost to build the facility.
Curriculum swimming requirements will continue to be met through the Council continuing to pay for pupils to be transported to others pools. There is no curriculum requirement for swimming after key stage 2.
We are conscious that during any period of construction there will be a reduction in certain types of leisure provision in Blaenavon and we are looking at all available opportunities to reduce the impact of this. If these development proposals go ahead we would want to see whether it is possible for us to relocate fitness and outdoor leisure facilities as early as possible.
Will the adult learning capacity in the new school be available during school hours and will it accommodate all the learning groups currently running in the area?
It is too early to be specific at this level of detail, but we will work closely with the Adult Education specialists to ensure that the needs of users are met either within this venue or elsewhere in Blaenavon. The Council is committed to providing within resources available.
I've been told that the new school will not now be built until 2018. Is this true and, if so, why?
This is not true. The school is scheduled to be opened in September 2012 and we are on track for that opening date. There has been no suggestion at any time that the school will be delayed until 2018.
I've been told that the area above the old leisure centre is not now a suitable site for the new school. Is this true, and if so, why?
This is not true. The whole area remains a suitable site for the new school, leisure and health centre.
When the new school is built, what will happen to St Peters and Hillside?
It is planned that the Hillside site will provide Extra Care Homes and homes on a retirement village basis. These plans are very much in their infancy and more detail will be available as they progress. There are currently no plans for the St Peters site.