Major investment in North Wales schools set to continue

More than £280 million has been invested in schools across North Wales thanks to a flagship Welsh Labour Government policy.

Wrexham’s Assembly Member, Lesley Griffiths has praised the 21st Century Schools programme and wants to ensure local residents continue to benefit from the scheme as it moves into its second phase.

This year marks the end of the first investment phase, with more than £1.4 billion spent in delivering the rebuild and refurbishment of 170 schools and colleges across Wales, including 39 in North Wales.

Pupils and parents in Wrexham have reaped the rewards with funding contributing to the rebuilding of Hafod Y Wern and Gwenfro CP Schools, as well as refurbishments to Ysgol Bryn Alyn, Ysgol Plas Coch, Ysgol Morgan Llwyd, Gwersyllt CP School and Alexandra CP School.  More than £4 million helped redevelop Coleg Cambria’s Bersham Road site and major work is underway at their Yale campus in the town centre.

The second phase of the programme, which has been renamed 21st Century Schools and Colleges, will involve a further investment of £2.3 billion across Wales.

As well as continuing to work in partnership with local authorities, a key focus of the second phase will be to transform schools and colleges into hubs for wider learning and local activities, helping ensure the new facilities are at the heart of their communities.

Lesley Griffiths AM said: “The 21st Century Schools programme is one of Welsh Labour’s most-acclaimed policies and represents the largest investment in our schools and colleges for more than 50 years.”

“This substantial, long-term investment will leave a lasting legacy in Wrexham and across Wales.  With the next phase of the scheme starting imminently, I hope even more students and families in Wrexham benefit from new, state-of-the-art facilities that are befitting of the 21st century.”