This is the Cantonian page.
As you may have read on our homepage there are plans to sell off parts of Cantonian's school fields. The development plans input by Plymouth Estates show a "regional connections map" which involves a bus route which, it seems passes through Cantonian's land.
Recently in a South Wales Echo article by editor David James, plans were leaked about the possibility of a sell off of parts of the fields to build student accomodation for UWIC in exchange for funding to improve sports facilities at the school. This would give the perfect excuse to build a bus route / road through Cantonian's land. This is just another example of how the "puzzle" fits together. The Echo article can be viewed below.
Wednesday 7th October
Main Article - South Wales Echo - Editor: David James
"School could get £4m makeover in fields sell-off"
A CITY school could be in line for a £4m redevelopment – if it sells off part of its playing fields for student housing.
The Echo can reveal that the governors at Cantonian High School in Fairwater are in discussions with the University of Wales Institute Cardiff (Uwic) and a developer to work as a partnership on the project.
It is understood the school governors believe the land in question is poorly used and that the cash generated from its sale could help turn the school into a “centre of sporting excellence”.
The plans would include the creation of a Welsh league football pitch, an artificial turf pitch, a new rugby ground and a cricket wicket.
Councillor Neil McEvoy, the council’s deputy leader and a Fairwater councillor, said the plans are exciting.
He said: “The proposal seems to be exciting because we could have first-class sporting facilities in the community of Fairwater.
“The downside is that some of the ground would have to be sold off. No-one really wants to do that but, in the real world, if we are going to sell a small proportion of a field to safeguard the rest, it is probably a price worth paying.
“The school tell me the area proposed isn’t used and is quite difficult to police, so the governors seem quite relaxed. On the face of it, it could be win-win.”
It is understood that in the plans being discussed, the school buildings would be refurbished and re-clad to make them more energy efficient.
Classrooms would be fitted with electronic teaching aids.
The chairman of Cantonian High School governors, John Sheppard, confirmed to the Echo that proposals had been considered by the governors at their last meeting.
He stressed these were at an early stage and were currently confidential, but said the governors had high aspirations for the school.
“We will consider all proposals that will give our pupils the buildings and facilities that they deserve,” he said.
“We are proud of the significant progress that the school has made over the last few years and we intend building on this.
“Academically this year 51% of our children achieved the equivalent to A to C at GCSE level.
“They and their teachers are to be congratulated. Cantonian also prides itself on being an ‘open’ school – a true comprehensive – and we equally celebrate the non-academic and sporting achievements of our pupils.”
The Echo understands that the intention is to generate the funding for the scheme from the development of student accommodation on land currently not used by the school.
The student accommodation would meet the needs of Uwic, which has already gained planning permission to expand its Llandaff campus when it closes its Colchester Road site.
As you can see Councillor Neil McEvoy describes the sell off as "exciting" and "win-win".
Would the full £4 Million raised from the sale of the land, go to the school? Or would the council keep some? This is a question which might be worth asking. |
