Plans to demolish a historic school building in Newport have been delayed after bats were found at the site. Hundreds of pupils at St Andrew's Primary School on Jenkins Street were unable to return to classrooms after "significant structural issues" were found at the school's junior building in March 2021.
Inspections at the time led to Newport City Council closing the building immediately on safety grounds, with around 340 pupils and staff - including all key stage two pupils and staff - moved to Newport Live’s Connect Centre, where they have been ever since. Key stage one and nursery pupils remain at St Andrew's as their building is not affected.
The issues at the 100-year-old building were later found to be more significant than first feared, and in May this year it was announced that it was to be demolished and replaced after Welsh Government approved a £10 million project to fund its replacement, with all pupils to return in September 2023.
Read more: Historic school building to be demolished and rebuilt with £10m funding
Demolition work was due to start over the summer holidays but has now been delayed after surveys found two species of bats at the site as work was about to begin. Legally, Newport City Council must now get a licence from Natural Resources Wales before any demolition can take place.
A council spokesperson said: "Demolition of St Andrew's Primary School’s key stage two building cannot take place over the summer holidays as planned. Bat surveys have revealed the presence of two species. These investigations have to take place, by law, before any demolition works can take place.
"Following the unexpected discovery of the bats, a licence must be obtained from Natural Resources Wales before the work can progress. Following the securing of the required licence, works will be arranged to start as soon as possible."
The council said the building had been securely cordoned off and that "steps have been taken to ensure the safety of the site and the community. Construction of the new key stage two building will begin after planning permission is secured. An application is due to be submitted later this year," it added.
"It is planned to retain some items from the old school, where possible, to create a commemorative feature on the site. The key stage two building has significant structural issues, including complex foundation issues, that cannot be repaired. Pupils and staff have been relocated to Newport Live’s Connect Centre and will remain there until the new build is completed. Nursery and key stage one pupils remain on the St Andrew’s site as their buildings are unaffected."
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