Powys County Council has appointed Willmott Dixon as the preferred contractor for the new Ysgol Bro Hyddgen building.

The appointment marks an important milestone in the council’s plans to provide a modern, fit-for-purpose learning environment for pupils attending the school. The project forms part of the council’s Strategy for Transforming Education in Powys, which aims to improve learner experiences and outcomes by investing in high-quality learning environments that support teaching, learning and wellbeing.

The school is currently transitioning from a dual-stream school to a Welsh-medium school, so this project will also help the council meet its commitments in its Welsh in Education Strategic Plan, which aims to improve access to Welsh-medium education.

As part of the design and build process, Willmott Dixon will now work with the council, school leaders, governors, pupils and other stakeholders to develop detailed plans for the new building.

Bro Hyddgen Machynlleth
What the new school will look like (Supplied)

The next phase will focus on developing a school that supports the council’s ambitions for education in Powys and provides high-quality learning facilities for current and future generations of learners.

Cllr James Gibson-Watt, Powys County Council’s Cabinet Member for a Learning Powys, said: “This is an important step forward in our plans to deliver a new building for Ysgol Bro Hyddgen and another significant milestone in delivering our Strategy for Transforming Education in Powys and our Welsh in Education Strategic Plan.

“By investing in modern, sustainable learning environments, we are helping to improve learner experiences and outcomes while ensuring our school estate is fit for the future.

“We look forward to working closely with Willmott Dixon, the school, governors, pupils and other stakeholders as the design work progresses and the plans for this exciting project take shape.”

Peter Jones, Chair of the Governing Body at Ysgol Bro Hyddgen, said: “The appointment of Willmott Dixon as preferred contractor is an important step towards providing our learners and staff with the high-quality learning environment they deserve.

“Throughout the development of the detailed plans, the governing body looks forward to working closely with the council, Willmott Dixon, staff, learners and the wider school community to ensure the new school reflects the needs and aspirations of those who will use it every day.

“This investment represents a significant opportunity to enhance the learning experience, support staff in delivering the best possible education, and create inspiring facilities that will benefit generations of learners to come.”

Richard Jones, Director at Willmott Dixon said: “It’s a privilege to be involved in a project that will have such a lasting impact on learners and the wider community. As we enter the next stage of the programme, we look forward to working collaboratively with Powys County Council, school leaders and stakeholders to help shape a school that supports ambition, inspires learning and leaves a positive legacy for years to come."

The new building is expected to provide flexible, inclusive and sustainable learning spaces designed to support the delivery of the Curriculum for Wales and meet the evolving needs of learners, staff and the wider school community.

PICTURE CAPTION: Ysgol Bro Hyddgen in Machynlleth. Picture: Mathew Browne