Vale of Glamorgan Council has begun work on a redevelopment of St Richard Gwyn Catholic High School, the last of the town’s four comprehensives to be upgraded.
Back in 2020, two new school buildings were constructed at Pencoedtre High and Whitmore High, while Ysgol Gymraeg Bro Morgannwg has been significantly extended.
Councillor Rhiannon Birch, Vale of Glamorgan Council’s cabinet member for education, arts and the Welsh language, said: “The redevelopment of St Richard Gwyn is part of our Sustainable Communities for Learning Programme that has seen similar improvements made to school facilities across the Vale.
“Residents have told us how important schools are to them.
“They want to see investment in education and this scheme reflects that.
“It follows work at Pencoedtre, Whitmore and Bro Morgannwg, completing the transformation of secondary education in Barry, with pupils across the town now taught in state-of-the-art environments, giving them the very best platform for success.
“When combined, these projects represent the most significant regeneration Barry has ever seen and will be followed by the creation of a new Cardiff and Vale College campus at Barry Waterfront.”
The St Richard Gwyn redevelopment, led by contractor Morgan Sindall, will see old buildings replaced with fresh functional spaces, catering for over 1,100 pupils.
The new school is expected to be completed by the end of next year, with the old one completely demolished by December 2028.
The design includes external quiet spaces filled with greenery, a cycle shelter with repair station, a school hall featuring a full sound system and lighting for performances, and a canteen complimented by a snack bar offering light meals and drinks.
There will also be provision for children with Additional Learning Needs (ALNs), a 3G sports pitch and a Multiuse Games Area which will be available to the school and wider community.
Sustainability is a key feature of the new buildings, which use eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient systems, maximising the use of solar energy to reduce the reliance on fossil fuels. This helps to minimise environmental impact in line with the Council’s Project zero commitment to become carbon neutral by 2030.
A green roof made of vegetation will assist with drainage management and provide other ecological benefits.
Cllr Birch also highlighted the wider investment in Barry.
She said: “There has been plenty of other regeneration work at the waterfront, with historic buildings turned into the Pumphouse and Goodsheds, plans to create a watersports centre at the mole and proposals for the Council’s Dock office to be remodelled into a business incubator space.
“All of this comes alongside extensive upgrading work carried out at Barry Island.”
