Primary school move ‘only viable option’ due to ‘urgent’ building issues

Landsdowne Primary School could move to a site half a mile away Photo cred: Google Maps

 Cardiff Council has announced that a primary school in Canton could move to another site in the city due to its buildings continuing to deteriorate.

Lansdowne Primary School, on Norfolk Road, had to close four times in the 2023/24 academic year due to ‘urgent’ issues such as roof and ceiling leaks, water damage to electrics, unsafe windows, failing stonework, drainage problems, and rainwater damage.

New proposals could see the school move to a site just north of the former site of Fitzalan High School, on Lawrenny Road, around the end of October 2025.

According to Cardiff Council, the Grade II listed Victorian buildings are monitored daily but at the ‘end of life’ stage and surveyors report indicate that health and safety risks can only be ‘mitigated’ rather than ‘fully eliminated’.

The local authority added that “extensive repairs required would necessitate significant investment and disruptive works, making it impossible to keep pupils on site due to safeguarding and health and safety concerns.”

The former site of Fitzalan High School pictured in July 2019 Photo cred: Google Maps

The proposed new site will be in the Lansdowne Primary School catchment area, less than half a mile from the current location, and has the space to accommodate all pupils and staff in one place.

If approved, there will be new flexible build classrooms and office spaces in addition to refurbished hall, dining, nursery and reception facilities.

Cardiff's Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Education, Cllr Sarah Merry, said: "The safety and wellbeing of pupils, staff, and families is paramount. Keeping the school in its current buildings is not viable due to potential future health and safety concerns. These plans ensure that high-quality education can continue in a suitable learning environment without future disruption."

If the school is vacated, the buildings would be secured and maintained to protect the building and ensure safety of the site.

Proposals for the future of primary provision in the Fitzalan High School catchment area will be brought forward in due course, in line with the Council's Education Investment Strategy.

Cardiff Council's Cabinet will discuss the proposals at its meeting on January 23.