Turf Cutting – Canolfan Ethni, Cardiff

Wynne Construction has started works on the £7.3m Canolfan Ethni, a Specialist Resource Base (SRB) at Welsh-medium secondary school Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Glantaf, Cardiff.

Construction on the flagship scheme was celebrated with a turf cutting ceremony and marks the first partnership between the Denbighshire-based company and Cardiff Council.

Funded by the Welsh Government’s Welsh Medium grant, the new facility operates as an extension of the current site and will provide 30 spaces for pupils with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and 30 spaces for youngsters with complex learning needs (CLN).

To minimise disruption, the school’s existing provisions will remain in use throughout the project, with only minor internal remodelling needed to help integrate the latest development.

The flagship build will feature a shared communal space, performance hall, and learning kitchen and café, designed to enhance pupils’ communication, hospitality, and social enterprise skills through engagement with members of the public.

Upon completion, Canolfan Ethni will also include an outdoor sensory garden and various flora and fauna, ensuring it fits naturally into the surrounding landscape whilst offering a pleasant experience for learners.

The multi-million-pound build has been named after former teacher Mrs Ethni Jones, whose advocacy for all children’s right to access Welsh medium education saw the first specialist unit established at the school in 1988 and attended by her son, Garmon.

Ethni’s children, Garmon and Rhiannon, alongside her grandchildren Buddug and Bleddyn, were present at the turf cutting ceremony.

Cardiff’s deputy leader and cabinet member for education Sarah Merry, Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Glantaf headteacher Matthew Evans, Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Glantaf chair of governors Iona Edwards, and representatives from Wynne Construction were also in attendance.

Chris Wynne, Wynne Construction managing director, said: “Today’s turf cutting marks the start of an exciting first partnership with Cardiff Council. We’re very proud to be delivering this high-quality, sustainable facility that supports inclusive Welsh-medium education.

“The scheme will deliver social value and investment in our local South Wales-based supply chain. Working closely with the community, our focus will also be creating a positive, long-term impact beyond the construction phase.”

Councillor Sarah Merry, Cardiff’s deputy leader and cabinet member for education, said: “Today marks a proud moment for Cardiff as we mark the start of construction on Canolfan Ethni, a facility that truly reflects our commitment to ensuring every child receives the support and opportunities they deserve.

“This new specialist resource base will provide a nurturing, inspiring environment where pupils with complex learning needs can thrive through the medium of Welsh.

“This investment demonstrates our determination to expand high-quality specialist provision across the city, enabling more families to access support closer to home. I look forward to seeing the incredible impact Canolfan Ethni will have on the school and the wider community in the years ahead.”

Matthew Evans, Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Glantaf headteacher, said: “I am delighted to announce Canolfan Ethni as the name for our new provision.

“Everyone who met Ethni, were drawn to her positive energy and warmth of character. Her ambitious vision that all children in Wales, should have full access to the richness and cultural advantages of their Cymru and Cymraeg heritage, lives on within these walls.

“Opening our new facility is an important step in ensuring that equality of access to Welsh Medium education becomes a reality for all pupils.”

<-- Previous Post Next Post -->