New Ysgol Robert Owen building officially opened

Ysgol Robert Owen’s new school building in Newtown has been officially opened, marking the completion of a major investment in specialist education in the town. 

The opening took place on Thursday, March 12, when Powys County Council leader Jake Berriman and the school’s Chair of Governors Joy Jones unveiled a plaque.

Pupils also took part in the ceremony, performing a poem they had prepared for the occasion.

Staff and learners have been using the building since September 2024, but the event formally marked the completion of the new facility, designed for pupils with additional learning needs.

The building includes a hydrotherapy pool, sensory and physiotherapy rooms, rebound therapy spaces and a community café, along with outdoor areas for sport, learning and play.

Speaking at the opening, Mr Berriman said: “This is a proud moment for Ysgol Robert Owen and for the wider community.

“This new building is an important part of our strategy to transform education in Powys and provides a truly world class facility for some of our most vulnerable learners.

“These new facilities will make a real, lasting difference to the day to day experience of learners and staff.”

Mrs Jones said the opening marked “the beginning of a new chapter” for the school.

She added: “The new building isn’t just an improvement on what we had before. It’s a commitment to the children and families of today and to generations to come.

“Our vision is for this school to become a true community hub, working alongside families, organisations and services to offer guidance, support and encouragement.”

The project was delivered by Wynne Construction and funded by the Welsh Government and Powys County Council.

The development forms part of wider investment in school buildings across Powys, although similar projects elsewhere in the county have previously prompted debate around funding priorities and long term sustainability.