Support for new primary school after old building declared unsafe

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Proposals for a new primary school in Bettws will be advanced, Newport City Council has decided.

The proposals to merge Millbrook Primary School and Monnow Primary School on a new school site will be opened up to the public, giving people a chance to have their say, in the new year.

Millbrook Primary closed down in 2022 after safety inspectors found structural problems in the main building.

Most pupils have attended lessons in temporary facilities in Brynglas ever since, while the nursery-aged children have been taught at a classroom in Monnow Primary.

Further investigations at Millbrook Primary “confirmed that the building should not be reopened without significant work to make it safe for use” and the council instead decided to demolish it – and the site will now be redeveloped as the location of the new school.

It is estimated the new school could cost £18 million, of which the Welsh Government would provide 65% of the funding via the Sustainable Communities for Learning programme.

Cllr Deb Davies, the local authority’s deputy leader and cabinet member for education, has signed off on a decision to “take forward” the school reorganisation proposal, starting with a consultation period.

A council report shows that the consultation period will likely run “early in the spring term 2025 and will last for a period of 42 days”.

Commenting previously on the plans, Cllr Davies said: “I’m pleased that we will soon begin consulting with parents, staff and other stakeholders on our plans for Bettws.

“We believe that this proposal will deliver the best outcomes for pupils, through providing them with a brand-new school building fit for the future.

“It is vital that the views of every person interested in the future of Millbrook and Monnow are heard during the consultation which will launch early next year. I would encourage anyone who wants to comment to have a read through our proposal and let us know your thoughts.”