Swansea Council has approved a plan to replace all three blocks at Gowerton School with a single new building, a project expected to cost around £47.2 million. The decision was made at a cabinet meeting, where it was noted that the school was originally built as "an act of defiance and confidence" in the late 1930s.
Cllr Robert Smith, Swansea's cabinet member for education and learning, said the school was constructed "when people said there was no economic future for south-west Wales". He was introducing a report about the secondary school and the options the council had considered to modernise it.
Why Block A was not retained
Initially, the plan was to rebuild two blocks and refurbish the original one - Block A - which was formerly a grammar school. However, the cabinet report said that on further investigation, "the condition, risks and potential redevelopment requirements for Block A are materially greater than previously understood and it is considered that this would mean likely significant further 'scope creep' and increased costs".
Three options were put forward, and the preferred one - replacing all three blocks in one new building - has now been approved by cabinet. Cllr Smith said accessibility issues had also been a factor.
He said he had been approached by many former pupils who felt Block A should be retained as it had been a feature of the landscape for generations. "I share their opinions in many ways," he said. "It has not been an easy decision."
Council leader's regret
Cllr Smith said the agreed option - the most cost-effective of the three considered - was in line with expert advice and that the council would look to retain features from the old grammar school building where possible.
Council leader Rob Stewart acknowledged the preference had been to keep Block A but said the evidence clearly demonstrated it wouldn't have provided a modern education facility for future learners. Seconding the recommendation, he said: "I do so with a touch of regret."
Timeline and next steps
The scheme needs Welsh Government approval and planning permission. It is forecast to get under way early in 2028 and finish in late 2030. The anticipated cost is £47.2 million, but the figure is likely to change.
The cabinet report said Gowerton School's leadership team, staff, pupils and governors have been part of the design development and would continue to be involved. The school had 1,137 pupils on its roll when education inspectors from Estyn visited in December 2024.
The council has previously said the project would result in brighter, better-equipped and more energy-efficient buildings, and that families and the wider community would have more opportunities to use school facilities outside of lessons.
