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.
Former Holm View Leisure Centre could become education and community hub
ScoutsCymru members represent Wales at Royal Albert Hall Festival of Remembrance
Plans for indoor market at former Barry Wilko move forward
Police given additional powers to deal with anti-social behaviour in Barry
Senedd passes supplementary budget with £60m boost for additional learning needs
Future of planned festive events in question after criminal damage to Barry Town Hall
Consultation to open on plans for 35MW solar farm near Penarth
No Trains through the Vale of Glamorgan this Sunday
Police and Cardiff City launch operation to tackle matchday anti-social behaviour
Free leaf and fallen fruit collections return in the Vale
Barry retains Fairtrade Town status until 2029
£1m improvements planned for Pencoedtre Park as splashpad work set to begin
Plan submitted for new independent school on site of well-known charity farm
Is your hot water bottle safe?
Solicitor sentenced for defrauding Cancer Research UK
Cate is crowned champion!
WATCH: Winner of The Voice UK Cate McHugh duets with Sir Tom Jones
Barry filmmaker takes her documentary to the big screen in New York
Pupils leave their mark on new school at steel signing event
£3m refurbishment plans revealed for Cowbridge Town Hall
