New schools planned for major development on site of Llanishen tax offices

Alex Seabrook, local democracy reporter

A new high school and special school is planned for the site of the old tax offices in Llanishen.

HMRC recently moved its office from Gleider House on Ty Glas Road to Central Square in the city centre, leaving the towers empty.

Earlier this year developers revealed plans to knock down the offices and build hundreds of homes. flats, business units, retirement flats and a care home.

Now Cardiff council is considering buying the site to build a new school there, to meet rising demand for school places including for pupils with special educational needs.

Demand

Councillor Sarah Merry, cabinet member for education, employment and skills, said: “Cardiff has seen significant investment in its schools and education provision in recent years, but the demand for places across the primary, secondary and additional learning needs sectors continues to grow.

“This land investment opportunity could help Cardiff deliver on its commitment to invest in its education estates and future-proof education provision, helping to meet the projected demand across the city.

“In time, this would assist the council in continuing to provide inspiring, sustainable and community-focused schools, in which children and young people can achieve their potential.”

In March this year, developers applied for planning permission to build on the site 250 homes, 70 retirement apartments, a 70-bed care home, 1,900 square feet of office space, and space for a doctors surgery or nursery.

But if the council buys the land, those plans could be scrapped. The cabinet is expected to sign-off the proposal on Thursday, September 23. It’s unclear when the new school would be built or when it would be open.

Demand for secondary school places is expected to rise over the next few years as thousands of new homes are built on the outskirts of Cardiff. Demand is also rising for places for pupils with special needs, causing financial challenges for the council.

Demolition of the buildings and preparation of the site is estimated to cost more than £14m due to the size of the buildings, the high amount of asbestos used in its construction and contamination in the ground from the site’s previously use as part of a Royal Ordnance Factory.