Work has started on building a new £18.5 million home for Ysgol Bontnewydd.

Gwynedd councillors granted planning permission for the Campws Cymunedol Bontnewydd (Bontnewydd Community Campus) project last month.

Around 210 pupils at the primary school are set to move into the carbon-free building, which is due to be completed in two years time.

It will also include a nursery for 30 children, along with a purpose-built 'cylch meithrin' (Welsh medium playgroup) and a class for pupils with additional learning needs (ALN).

Owain Ellis, chair of governors at Ysgol Bontnewydd, said: "This is a very special time for Ysgol Bontnewydd and the community as a whole."

"Seeing work start on site is an important milestone on this exciting journey to achieve the goal of building a sustainable school for Ysgol Bontnewydd learners for years to come."

"We are delighted that the project has been selected as one of only three schools across Wales to win the Welsh Government's Sustainable Schools Challenge – recognition of the innovative and ambitious vision by Ysgol Bontnewydd learners and the Project Team at the heart of this scheme."

"The new campus will not only provide world-class education facilities for our children, but also create a sustainable and modern hub for the wider community. I'd like to thank everyone who has contributed to the work, and we look forward to seeing the project develop over the coming months."

Three years ago, Ysgol Bontnewydd secured to up to £15 million from the then-Labour Welsh Government, which had invited applications for new eco-friendly schools, which had been designed with the help of pupils.

It was the only school in North Wales to secure funding through the project, with funding also going to Ysgol Gynradd Rhosafan, a Welsh-medium primary school in Port Talbot, and Ysgol Gynradd Glyn-coch, a new-build English medium primary school in Pontypridd.

Education Minister, Anna Brychan, said: "As a Sustainable Schools’ Challenge project innovating and leading the way in sustainability, this project aligns with our manifesto and first 100-day ambition in raising educational standards and harnessing sustainable opportunities through net zero carbon and circular economy initiatives."

"I would like to add my support as the project enters the construction phase and look forward to seeing the project develop into a truly sustainable education asset serving the whole community."

The new complex, led by contractors Read Construction, will use recycled materials from two buildings at the current site which will be demolished, with building materials being sourced from locations as close as possible to the school, including wood and insulating wool.

Bricks, slate and timber will be used from a recently demolished school in Bangor.

Alex Read, director of Read Construction, said: "The Campws Cymunedol Bontnewydd project represents an important opportunity to deliver a high-quality, low-carbon community asset in partnership with Cyngor Gwynedd."

"Read Construction’s focus is on working collaboratively from the outset with the design team, local stakeholders and the wider community to ensure the scheme achieves its sustainability objectives while also generating meaningful long-term value through local employment, skills development and community engagement."

Cyngor Gwynedd is also making a small contribution towards the cost of the project.

Cllr Dewi Jones, cabinet member for education, said: "The new school will provide a modern, sustainable and inspiring learning environment for children and the community for years to come."

"Getting the planning committee’s approval is another major milestone, meaning the developers can proceed to demolish the existing building over the summer holidays before construction begins."

"The development shows how low-carbon construction and circular economy principles can be implemented in public projects."

"For example, the new school will reuse bricks, slate and timber from another recently deconstructed school in Bangor. Once opened, it will be one of the most ambitious schools in terms of carbon reduction in Wales."

Cllr Menna Trenholme, who represents the Bontnewydd ward for Plaid Cymru, added: "Ysgol Bontnewydd and the centre have been at the heart of the community for generations and everyone in the community is excited to see the work begin on the school and the new community resources."

"I realise that building the new school on the same site is a challenge and that the children and their teachers have already moved into temporary classes."

"I'm pleased that everyone is able to pull together and that the next period will also be an opportunity for the children to take part in activities to learn about architecture and building technology. We're all looking forward to seeing the new school open its doors in spring 2028.”