Latest news with #IsleofAngleseyCountyCouncil
North Wales Chronicle
3 days ago
- Business
- North Wales Chronicle
Anglesey secondary school set for new £66million home
Isle of Anglesey County Council hopes to relocate Ysgol Uwchradd Caergybi into a new building near Holyhead Leisure Centre by September 2030. The main aims of the new building, estimated to cost almost £66million and able to accommodate 900 pupils – would be to ensure: A wide-ranging statutory consultation on the began today (June 5). All stakeholders with a connection to Ysgol Uwchradd Caergybi are now being encouraged to have their say on proposals (dependent on successful procurement of the land). Anglesey's Executive approved the statutory consultation process on the new building last month. It will include special sessions to gain feedback on the proposals from pupils, school council, staff, governors, parents and other interested stakeholders. Education and Welsh language portfolio holder, Councillor Dafydd Roberts, said: 'This statutory consultation marks the first step on an exciting journey towards September 2030.' 'The proposals represent our commitment to the future of education and Welsh language in Caergybi and wider Holy Island. 'Input from everyone connected to Ysgol Uwchradd Caergybi will therefore be vital in helping us shape this project going forward.' READ MORE: Air ambulance attends incident at Anglesey secondary school Luxury eco lodges on Anglesey up for sale for £3.1million The discovery of RAAC (reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete) at the current Ysgol Uwchradd Caergybi building had a significant effect on school processes and pupil education between September 2023 and January 2024. Coupled with a need for significant expenditure on maintenance, the current building is coming to the end of its life. Director of education, skills and young people, Aaron C Evans, explained: 'Officers have considered a number of different options for the provision of secondary education in the Holyhead area. 'We've come to the conclusion that a new building for Ysgol Uwchradd Caergybi is the best way forward. 'Creating a new modern building would be a significant investment in education in Caergybi and wider catchment area and would also ensure the long-term sustainability of secondary education in the area. 'A new school building with specialist modern learning facilities of the highest standard would also help ensure the best possible educational experiences and outcomes for young people; and support the aims of the County Council's Modernising Learning Communities and Welsh Language Strategy.' The statutory consultation process will run between 5 June and 17 July 2025. An accessible easy read version of the consultation document is available on the council's website.
North Wales Chronicle
5 days ago
- General
- North Wales Chronicle
Holyhead's Plas Alltran restored as housing for care leavers
Plas Alltran, a Grade II-listed former doctor's surgery, has been restored as part of a £1.5 million conservation project led by BTP Architects in partnership with Isle of Anglesey County Council. The Holyhead property now houses four one-bedroom apartments, designed for single or two-person occupancy, and is available for affordable rent. Andy (Kwok) Wan, director at BTP Architects, said: "Plas Alltran is a fantastic example of how careful restoration, mindful design and successful partnership working can come together to create sustainable, affordable homes. "This project safeguards an important part of Holyhead's heritage whilst creating affordable homes. "Every element of the design was considered not just for its conservation value, but for how it could support the well-being, dignity, and future of its residents." Plas Alltran was once listed among the ten most endangered buildings in Wales and England by the Victorian Society. The restoration involved close collaboration with conservation officers and Cadw, the Welsh Government's historic environment service. Original features such as external walls and slate tiles were retained where possible, while missing elements like door mouldings and stair spindles were recreated using traditional methods. A modern Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) system was installed to improve energy efficiency without altering the building's historic windows. READ MORE: Incredible photos as imposing 55-metre-long ship with six decks docks in Caernarfon Councillor Robin Wyn Williams, finance and housing portfolio holder at Isle of Anglesey County Council, said: "This development provides high-quality, affordable homes in the heart of the community, while also bringing a treasured local building back into use. "It reflects our wider commitment to delivering housing that meets real need, in a way that respects the character and heritage of our island." The project also aimed to keep carbon emissions low, using insulated lime plaster for improved heat retention. Jamie Moore, director at Recclesia, said: "Bringing Plas Alltran back from the brink of complete loss was a real challenge. "By working collaboratively with BTP Architects and Anglesey Council we have managed to save this wonderful building in a way that retains its historic integrity at the same time as providing modern living space." The restoration has removed Plas Alltran from the At Risk Register, which lists vacant and structurally unsound historic properties. The council has thanked the Welsh Government and Cadw for their grant funding, without which the project could not have gone ahead.
