A MAJOR step forward has been taken in the long-awaited Milford Haven Schools Redevelopment project after Pembrokeshire County Council’s Cabinet approved the Outline Business Case for the £141.6 million scheme.
The decision, made on Wednesday (May 27), means the business case can now be submitted to the Welsh Government for consideration.
The ambitious project would see a new combined campus built on the current Milford Haven School site, bringing an English-medium primary school together with the secondary school, with some shared facilities.
The plans also include a 40-place centre and a specialist Learning Resource Centre for 24 pupils with additional learning needs.
A new Welsh-medium primary school is also planned for Milford Haven, providing Welsh language education in the area.
Alongside the schools redevelopment programme, a new leisure centre will be created. Thornton Sports Hall is set to be demolished as part of the wider changes.
One of the largest education projects in Pembrokeshire
The next stage will be for the council to submit a Full Business Case to the Welsh Government before final approval can be given and construction can begin. Contractors are expected to be on site next year, with the new school buildings due to open in 2030.
The scheme has been discussed for many years, with local families, pupils, staff and the wider community waiting for meaningful progress towards modern education facilities for the town.
There has also been criticism locally over the slow pace of the process, including concerns about Welsh Government bureaucracy and the requirement for repeated business case approvals before funding decisions are finalised.
However, the Cabinet decision marks a significant milestone for one of the largest education projects ever proposed in Pembrokeshire.
If delivered, the redevelopment has the potential to transform education, childcare, Welsh-medium provision, additional learning needs support and leisure facilities for future generations in Milford Haven.
Source: https://pembrokeshire-herald.com/139536/milford-haven-school-redevelopment-moves-a-major-step-closer/