PLANS for a £34.7million new build of Pencoedtre High School, in Barry, have been unveiled as the Vale council announces a contractor has been appointed.

Successful bidder, Bouygues has submitted plans for a four-court sports hall, performance space, innovative learning environments, allotment areas, and a new all-weather hockey pitch at the new school, in Merthyr Dyfan Road.

The contractor previously built the Llantwit Learning Community, in Llantwit Major, and the multi-award-winning Penarth Learning Community.

All three projects have been match-funded by the Welsh Government through its 21st Century Schools and Education Programme.

Vale council cabinet member for learning and culture, Cllr Bob Penrose said: “The council’s current school investment programme is the most ambitious ever undertaken in the Vale.

“A first-class school experience starts with first class school facilities.

“The transformation of secondary education in Barry began with the formation of Pencoedtre High School and Whitmore High School in 2018.

“Construction of the new buildings will ensure that the pupils have the absolute best platform for success.

“More than £143m will be spent on new school buildings and facilities as part of the next phase of investment and this will see new schools build across all areas of the Vale as well as here in Barry.”

Bouygues UK chairwoman, Fabienne Viala said: “We are extremely proud to be appointed for the delivery of the new Pencoedtre High School for the Vale of Glamorgan Council, creating an exceptional centre for learning for the local community.

“We have built an excellent working partnership with the council following the successful delivery of the Llantwit Learning Community and Penarth Learning Community and are very pleased to be utilising our skills and experience for another transformational education facility.”

The council recently approved a revised 21st Century Schools Programme which included construction of a completely new building for Pencoedtre High School.

Tenders for the project were sought using the South East Wales Schools and capital funding contractor framework and were assessed by the Vale council and AECOM (multidisciplinary consultancy) based on a series of criteria.