The redevelopment of St Richard Gwyn Catholic High School has reached a key milestone, with council representatives and contractors gathering for an official steel‑signing ceremony at the site of the new building.
The project forms the final stage of the major overhaul of Barry’s secondary schools, following the construction of new facilities at Pencoedtre High School and Whitmore High School, and the expansion of Ysgol Gymraeg Bro Morgannwg.
Signing one of the steel beams that will form part of the new structure marked a symbolic moment in the redevelopment, which will replace the school’s ageing buildings with modern, purpose‑built facilities for more than 1,100 pupils.
Cllr Rhiannon Birch, Vale of Glamorgan Council Cabinet Member for Education, Arts and the Welsh Language, said: "The redevelopment of St Richard Gwyn is an important part of our Sustainable Communities for Learning Programme, which has transformed school facilities across the Vale.
"This steel signing ceremony is a significant milestone and an exciting reminder of the progress being made. Once complete, pupils and staff will benefit from state-of-the-art facilities designed to support learning, wellbeing and achievement for generations to come.
"Together with the developments at Pencoedtre, Whitmore and Bro Morgannwg, this project completes the transformation of secondary education in Barry and represents a major investment in the future of our young people."
Construction of the new school building is expected to finish next year, with full demolition of the existing structures scheduled for completion by December 2028.
The redevelopment will deliver modern classrooms, specialist spaces for pupils with Additional Learning Needs (ALN), a school hall equipped with professional sound and lighting systems, a 3G sports pitch and a Multi‑Use Games Area that will also be available for community use.
Sustainability is a central feature of the scheme, which incorporates eco‑friendly materials, energy‑efficient systems and solar technology to reduce carbon emissions in line with the Vale of Glamorgan Council’s Project Zero ambition to become carbon neutral by 2030.
Plans also include landscaped outdoor areas, improved active travel routes and a vegetation‑covered roof designed to support biodiversity and improve drainage.

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