Work has started on building the new home of a Catholic primary school in Bangor.

Ysgol Ein Harglwyddes is set to move to its new £8 million home at the former site of Ysgol Glanadda in two years time.

Cyngor Gwynedd says building the new school on a brownfield site will lessen the environmental impact while making the best use of green technology.

Pupils attended a short ceremony to mark the start of the construction phase, which is due to be completed by the summer term in 2026.

Aimee Jones, headteacher of Ysgol Ein Harglwyddes, said: “Current and past staff and governors, along with the many pupils and parents who have passed through the school gates will look back with fond memories of their time in our current building."

“However, we are very excited to see the construction of our new school underway and look forward to starting a new chapter, providing our future generations with the best Catholic education, in a modern, purpose build environment which has been longed, for many years."

“We would like to thank Saer (architects) for their collaboration and allowing us to offer our input into the initial stages of design. We are committed to bringing our strong history, inclusive, caring and family centered ethos across to our new site.”

The new school, which will replace the current late 19th century site on Caernarfon Road, is being funded largely by the Welsh Government as part of its sustainable learning communities programme, with the rest coming from the Catholic Diocese of Wrexham.

Around £700,000 has also been secured from the Welsh Government to create an early years unit.

Gwern ap Rhisiart, head of education at Cyngor Gwynedd, said: “The new-look Ysgol Ein Harglwyddes will provide modern facilities for children from Bangor and the nearby area, and allow them to reach their full potential."

"I am looking forward to seeing the children enjoy their new school, which will include six classrooms with access to external space, a hall, kitchen and multi-purpose room. The outside area will have a hard area for play, a multi-use games area and a grass playing field."

“Although the old building was homely and historic, I am confident the pupils, their families and learning staff will love the new school.”

The Rt. Rev’d Peter M Brignall, dishop of the Diocese of Wrexham, added: “After many years in the coming, Ysgol Ein Harglwyddes will have the new school building for which we have longed."

“The partnership of Welsh Government, the Diocese of Wrexham and Cyngor Gwynedd in giving a new lease of life to the old Ysgol Glanadda site frees Ysgol Ein Harglwyddes from the constraints of its existing mid-Victorian building, poor access and limited facilities"

“I look forward to the day the new school opens its doors to provide a 21st century learning environment and educational opportunities indoors and out.”

Read Construction were appointed as contractors for the project.

Alex Read, one of Read's directors, said: "This modern, 21st Century facility has sustainability at its core, and is designed to meet the Welsh Government’s Net Zero carbon requirements."

"Throughout the build we will work with the school and the community to ensure the project delivers added value to the local area.”