Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Aberdâr

As part of the Welsh Government’s Sustainable Communities for Learning programme, the extension to YGG Aberdâr has enabled the school to deliver a modern, 21st-century education through the medium of Welsh. This development supports the growth of Welsh-medium provision in the area and aligns with the ambitions of the Cymraeg 2050 national policy.

The new steel-framed building, featuring a combination of facing brickwork, rendered panels, and a zinc roof, has increased the school’s capacity from 372 to 420 pupils, alongside 60 nursery places and a CIW-registered childcare facility for 30 children.

This significant investment has replaced outdated mobile units with high-quality, permanent facilities, including:

• A split-level extension to the school’s eastern wing, providing four additional classrooms, new toilet facilities, a ground-floor break-out area, and a fully accessible childcare setting on the lower ground floor.

• An extension to the northern wing, expanding the existing hall by 80m².

• An enlarged car park offering 21 additional spaces.

• Removal of two temporary classroom units.

• A new hard-surfaced play area, replacing a grass field previously unusable for much of the year.

• A dedicated footpath linking the childcare facility directly with the car park for improved accessibility.

Sustainability and energy efficiency were central to the design and construction of the project, with low-carbon solutions integrated throughout to reduce environmental impact.

Situated in a densely populated residential area, the project was carefully managed to maintain excellent neighbour relations, prioritising site cleanliness and minimising disruption throughout the construction phase.