- 22/11/2017
- Posted by: Lesley Griffiths MS
- Category: News
Schools and educational facilities in Wrexham and across Wales are set to benefit from a £2.3 billion Welsh Labour Government investment.
The funding will allow the 21st Century Schools Programme – a major long-term and strategic investment scheme – to continue for a second wave of investment.
Wrexham’s Assembly Member, Lesley Griffiths, has welcomed the latest Welsh Government funding but has contacted the Local Authority after a number of constituents expressed their concerns with the proposals put forward by Wrexham Council.
She said: “With over £2bn being invested in this flagship initiative, the 21st Century Schools Programme is the largest investment in schools and colleges since the 1960s. Across the country more than 50 new or refurbished schools have been completed since 2014 under the programme, with a further 100 under construction or in the pipeline by 2019.”
“Wrexham residents have certainly benefited from this investment. I have visited a number of the local schools and witnessed first-hand the positive impact the new, modern facilities have had on students, staff, and parents.”
“Whilst I welcome the funding and am sure Wrexham will benefit from the next investment phase, I have been contacted my many constituents who question the proposals outlined by Wrexham Council, and also how the plans were initiated and communicated.”
“I share my constituents’ concerns and as a result, have contacted the Local Authority for clarification and further information.”
Band A of the programme will conclude in 2019 after a £1.4bn spend over five years. In Wrexham, the funding contributed to the rebuilding of Hafod Y Wern and Gwenfro CP Schools, as well as refurbishments to Ysgol Plas Coch and Alexandra Community Primary. Over £4m also helped redevelop Coleg Cambria’s Bersham Road campus.
The second phase of the 21st Century Schools Programme, Band B, will commence in 2019. Local Authorities and Further Education Institutions have proposed £2.3bn of projects and the Welsh Government is committed to supporting all of these projects, subject to approval of business cases.
