**Bridgend’s Welsh-Medium School Project Faces Significant Two-Year Delay**
The highly anticipated replacement for Ysgol Gymraeg Bro Ogwr, Bridgend’s Welsh-medium primary school, will not meet its original projected opening date, following unforeseen ecological complications. Instead of welcoming pupils in September 2025, the school’s new state-of-the-art campus is now expected to be completed by September 2027. Bridgend County Borough Council announced this revised timeline during its June cabinet meeting, with the delay largely attributed to safeguarding local wildlife, specifically protected reptiles inhabiting the construction site.
The development, sited on land off Ffordd Cadfan on Bridgend’s outskirts, was intended to offer enhanced learning facilities. Plans include expanding capacity to 525 places for children aged four to 11, as well as a 90-place nursery unit. This move is designed to serve growing demand for Welsh-language education within the area, allowing the school to move from its current premises on Princess Way, Brackla.
However, officials revealed that significant ecological surveys detected the presence of protected reptile species on the construction grounds. The requirements surrounding the protection and safe relocation of these reptiles have stalled the initial timetable. Reptile relocation—a tightly regulated process—cannot commence until the appropriate seasonal window, expected in summer 2025. Only after the creatures have been transferred can the site undergo clearance of overgrown scrub and bramble, a crucial preliminary step ahead of construction.
The council’s report underscored that ecological barriers have been the project’s primary stumbling block. “The development of the scheme has been challenging due to the ecology issues which has prevented clearance of the Ffordd Cadfan site,” the report detailed. Officials noted these barriers have affected not just timelines, but also elements of site planning and costings.
Once the ecological hurdles are cleared, the council aims to press forward with the planning application, which is currently in its final stages of preparation. In line with standard local authority procedures, a public consultation will be held prior to submission, giving community members the opportunity to voice their views on the proposals and the revised schedule.
The decision to extend the construction schedule to September 2027 was unanimously agreed by the council cabinet. The new facility, with an expected price tag of about £18.6 million, forms part of the local authority’s ongoing commitment to modernise educational infrastructure across Bridgend.
Councillor Martyn Jones, representing Garw Valley, reaffirmed the council’s commitment to the scheme during the meeting. He emphasised the long-term benefits of crossing these ecological hurdles, noting, “We remain focused on delivering this project, which is now set at September 2027.” His comments reflect a broader sentiment within the council that quality and responsibility—both to education and the environment—should take precedence over speed.
This situation is not unique to Ysgol Gymraeg Bro Ogwr. Only months earlier, the council issued a revised timetable for the Mynydd Cynffig Primary School replacement project in nearby Kenfig Hill. The £17 million scheme has also experienced delays, going out to tender under new timeframes, hinting at a broader trend of logistical and environmental complexities affecting school builds across Wales.
These developments illustrate the growing challenges associated with delivering major public sector infrastructure in ecologically sensitive areas. While frustrations persist among families awaiting the new provision, council officials stress that adherence to environmental legislation is non-negotiable and ultimately aligned with the community’s best interests. Residents and stakeholders are encouraged to participate in the upcoming consultation to ensure all voices are heard as this important project progresses.
As Bridgend continues to invest in modern, inclusive and sustainable educational settings, the experience at Ysgol Gymraeg Bro Ogwr stands as a reminder of the delicate balance between progress and preservation. The new expected completion, set for the start of the 2027/28 school year, marks a significant milestone in both educational planning and environmental stewardship for the region.