Cardiff school's Victorian buildings reach 'end of life' as relocation plan announced

A primary school in Cardiff is set to move to a new site due to the "deterioration" of the current buildings. Proposals to relocate Lansdowne Primary School in Canton are being drawn up as a result of safety concerns.

The school has been rated 'D' for its condition, signalling that the Grade II listed Victorian buildings are now at the "end of life" stage. Despite mitigations, there have been a growing number of concerns around the condition of the buildings in the recent months, with some of these issues needing "significant repairs" to maintain safe operation.

The buildings, which underwent detailed surveys, are closely monitored daily with "enhanced support" being provided to the school, Cardiff Council said. Even though these buildings are currently "deemed safe", the school’s headteacher and staff have been under considerable pressure to manage ongoing issues related to the building, a spokesperson added.

The issues have been longstanding, with the school having to shut down of four separate occasions during the 2023/24 academic year to address urgent issues like roof and ceiling leaks, water damage to electrics, unsafe windows, failing stonework, drainage problems and rainwater damage. For the latest Cardiff news, sign up to our newsletter here

Reports by the surveyor suggest that even though health and safety risks can be mitigated, they "cannot be fully eliminated". As such, the extensive repairs that are needed would mean significant investment and disruptive works. This in turn means that it would be "impossible" to keep students on site because of safeguarding and health concerns.

Cardiff Council’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."

A majority of the work needed on the Grade II status building would need Listed Building Consent as the structural issues would have to be addressed while also retaining the building’s bespoke heritage features. The council said this meant the planned relocation of the school was the "only viable option".

The council said it has considered multiple relocation options in consideration of the distance families would have to travel. A proposed new site was identified within the Lansdowne Primary School catchment area, less than half a mile from the current location with the capacity to accommodate all students and staff in one place.

If this is approved, Lansdowne Primary School would move to the north of the Fitzalan High School site. Pupils will be accommodated in new flexible build classrooms, supported by new office spaces with the addition of a refurbished hall, dining, nursery and reception facilities. The move would be scheduled for the end of October 2025.

The council cabinet will be apprised on Lansdowne Primary School’s condition and recommendations will be made on an appropriate solution in light of the risks at its meeting on Thursday, January 23.