Two schools to be built in Pembrokeshire as part of £143m scheme

Councillors have backed a £143m plan to build two schools in Milford Haven. A Pembrokeshire council cabinet meeting heard it would be “the most expensive capital project ever undertaken by the council”. The proposal – which still needs Welsh Government approval – would see a Welsh-language primary school built on the current site of Milford Haven Community Primary School. There would also be construction of an English-medium combined primary and secondary school building on the existing secondary school site, with some sharing of services. The scheme also includes a 40-place Flying Start centre (for children aged under four), a 36-place secondary learning resource centre, and a 24-place primary learning resource centre. Cabinet members approved an outline business case for the redevelopment to be submitted to the Welsh Government . They also approved an increase in the budget for the scheme, from £141,598,965 to £143,617,659. A council report stated the rise was "primarily" due to new building regulations from the Welsh Government, which mean the schools need a higher internal floor area to comply. It was previously reported that the English-medium school would not be built before 2030 and the Welsh-medium one not before 2032. The current plan would see a funding split of: Welsh Government 67.75% and Pembrokeshire council 32.25%. Mike Cavanagh, head of school modernisation, said a full business case is expected by the end of the year. Earlier this year, Milford Haven Primary School headteacher Stephen Thomas said: "This new school building has been long awaited, and I know how much it will mean to our children, staff and the community as a whole in Milford Haven. "For many years, our community has hoped for facilities that truly reflect the potential, pride and ambition of our children and now that vision is becoming a reality." The scheme includes "specialist teaching areas, improved accessibility, and high‑quality outdoor learning and play spaces". There are also plans for a new leisure centre in Milford Haven, with Thornton sports hall to be demolished, though that project is to come from a separate funding pot. Get daily breaking news updates on your phone by joining our WhatsApp community here . We occasionally treat members to special offers, promotions and ads from us and our partners. See our Privacy Notice .