Construction Underway on New Flintshire School

Date: July 18, 2024

Work is well underway on the construction phase of Flintshire’s first new Welsh-medium primary school.

The ambitious £15.9m project, backed by £11.2m from Welsh Government, will see the transfer of Ysgol Gymraeg Croes Atti in Flint to a new site, less than a mile away from its current location.
The campus will comprise a new school which will accommodate up to 240 full-time pupils and a standalone facility dedicated to early years childcare, community events and a Welsh immersion programme.

Flintshire County Council Chief executive, Neal Cockerton, and Cabinet Member for Education, Councillor Mared Eastwood, were recently joined on site by pupils, Headteacher Gwyn Jones, and representatives from contractors Read Construction to officially mark the start of the works.

Councillor Eastwood said: “I am delighted that Flintshire is investing in its first new build Welsh primary school. This site represents the Council’s commitment to the promotion of the Welsh language, with more Welsh medium places being made available and additional facilities such as childcare and immersion provision being co-located on the site.
“I am thankful for the support shown by Welsh Government for this wonderful project and appreciate the hard work of Read Construction who will deliver a school that will inspire and help children flourish.”

Read construction Ground-Breaking Event start of works for the new Welsh medium school building in Oakenholt; Picture Mandy Jones

Along with the promotion of the Welsh language, completion of the project will also deliver Flintshire’s second net-zero carbon primary school.

Alex Read, director of Read Construction, said: “As a North East Wales based company, Read are pleased to be working with Flintshire County Council on this flagship net-zero carbon scheme, with work now underway to provide a first-class learning environment for the local community.

“Throughout the scheme, Read are committed to achieving low carbon and social value excellence, supporting the local town and surrounding communities through reinvestment of the local pound and work opportunities. We look forward to working with our client and supply chain to deliver this scheme.”

Cabinet Secretary for Education Lynne Neagle added: “I am delighted that construction has started on this new primary school, thanks to the Sustainable Communities for Learning Programme.

The Welsh language belongs to us all, and increasing access to Welsh-medium education is fundamental in supporting and promoting its growth.

“This new school will provide a better learning environment for children and young people and an opportunity for more learners to become Welsh speakers. These new facilities are a great step in growing our language as well as benefiting the wider community.”