THE cost of a Welsh medium primary school expansion in Cowbridge has increased by more than £4m.
The council’s cabinet has agreed to take the expansion of Ysgol Iolo Morganwg in Cowbridge to the next stage and to increase the project and programme costs by a further £4.25m taking the project budget to £22.31m.
From February to April 2023, the council consulted on proposals to expand Ysgol Iolo Morganwg from 210 places to 420 primary places with space for 96 part-time nursery places from September 2025.
In November 2024, the council invited tenders for the construction of the school with a construction cost of £15m. This was based on the estimated costs based on site conditions and current market.
The total budget approved for this scheme under the capital programme is £18.05m or £20.55m including the Clare Gardens land provided through Section 106.
In April 2025, the cabinet authorised emergency powers to accept the competitive tender and appoint the successful contractor, Kier.
In September 2025, the council received approval from the Welsh Government to proceed but Kier have since provided further detail on the costs and detail of work packages that will need to be carried out as part of the scheme, making an additional £1.17m.
Kier has identified a total of £2.17m for “project abnormal costs”, reflecting site-specific requirements that fall outside standard construction allowances. These costs include measures such as heavy protection and piling, which are needed to deal with underlying ground conditions, enhanced storm drainage infrastructure to meet SAB (Sustainable Drainage Approval Body) requirements, the incorporation of raingardens as part of the sustainable drainage strategy and extensive cut and fill earthworks to achieve suitable site levels.
In November 2025, the contractor made the council aware of these issues and a cabinet report has looked at the situation. Cllr Rhiannon Birc,h who is the cabinet member for education, arts and the Welsh language said that costs have risen over the last few years for the usual range of reasons such as materials, labour and supplies.
The Vale Council leader, Cllr Lis Burnett said that although the current building is much loved within Cowbridge, being able to provide a new modern and expanded facility will be absolutely super for them.
The post contract service works will conclude in the new year and cabinet has given its approval to proceed with the stage two contract with Kier. It also approved an increase on the project and programme costs, to allow council to submit the full business case to Welsh Government by Wednesday 7th January.
By Anthony Lewis, Local Democracy Reporter
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