Frequently Asked Questions

1> What is the RHS-NB Project?

It stands for Rhyl High School – New Build. The early part of the project is about establishing the feasibility of developing the RHS accommodation requirements to meet the needs of the 21st century curriculum, teaching methods and modes of learning making best use of the latest technologies.

2> Why is a new school needed?

Generally schools are designed with a life expectancy of about 60 years. The present school buildings have grown and evolved over a longer period of time and have been used heavily every day by thousands of learners. Arguably they have come to the end of their useful life and compromise the development of teaching and learning at the school. The high cost of maintaining and operating the school buildings means that it would be more cost effective in the long term to replace them with well designed, modern facilities.

3> When will the new school be built?

This project will take several years to complete and during that time many things can change. It is unlikely that a new school will be open before September 2013 at the very earliest – but it could take longer.

4> Where will the new school be built?

DCC has investigated possible locations for the new building and a site options report suggests that the current site is the best place for the school.

It is presently expected that the school will be built on the existing playing fields and the sports pitches reinstated where the current buildings are. The early part of the project will look at whether this is the best solution and consider the arrangement of buildings, access routes, parking, sports pitches, etc taking all factors into account.

5> How much will the new building cost?

At this very early, initial stage of the project, it is impossible to say as too few details are known about the final design. We know the intended pupil capacity of the school and the statutory size required for this number of pupils. Construction professionals could estimate the cost of just the buildings based on the ‘square metre’ size needed – but this would not necessarily include all the infrastructure works such as drainage, highways works, etc. There are just too many variables to make a sensible guesstimate at this stage.

An initial indicative cost plan will be produced once an outline or concept design has been developed – probably by September 2010. Watch this space!

6> What facilities will the new school have?

Just like the answer above, it’s still too early to say definitely. The school (pupils, parents, teaching staff, governors, et al), the local community, members of the public and DCC will all have an opportunity to makes their views and suggestion known to the design team. The deciding factor will always be what is best for the learners and enhances the quality of Education provision in Rhyl.

7> What will the new building look like?

How can you describe something that has not yet been designed? This is one of the most exciting elements of the project – and this question is in everyone’s mind. One thing is certain – it won’t look like the present buildings!

By September 2010 there may be some initial plans and, perhaps, sketches to look at – but these will not be an accurate portrayal of what the final design will look like. They will just give an indication of the sort of building and layout being considered.

8> What will happen to the old buildings?

It is presently expected that the old buildings will be demolished to make way for the sports pitches and outdoor activity areas. This will be confirmed during the development of the new building design.

9> What will happen to the Rhyl Leisure Centre?

DCC has commissioned a review on the offer of leisure services and facilities across the north of Denbighshire. The outcome of this review is not yet known. Therefore, the Leisure Centre and Swimming Pool will continue to operate and be available to the local schools and community while this project is underway. At the moment, the school design will focus first on meeting the learning and development needs of the pupils and meeting the requirements for delivering the curriculum for 11-16 year olds.

Any new sport and leisure facilities at the school will seek to complement the Leisure Centre and be designed in such way that they, too, could be used by the community.

10> What will happen to Rhyl High School pupils during the construction phase?

If the new school is to be built on the existing sports pitches, then the old buildings will continue to operate largely as they do now. There may be some access diversions and movement restrictions around the site in the interest of Health and Safety during the construction phase.

11> What about Blessed Edward Jones RC High School?

Dialogue is continuing at a strategic level to consider the needs and aspirations of the ‘faith’ communities in Denbighshire and North Wales. Regular meetings are held with Directors of Education from the Roman Catholic and Church in Wales diocese together with other parties interested in the provision of faith-based education. Any plans or proposed developments arising from these discussions will proceed independently of this project.

12> Will the new school have a 6th form?

Post 16 education provision in Rhyl is delivered through “Rhyl Sixth” at the Rhyl College site
It is possible that some facilities at the new school will complement those available at the college for the delivery of some courses for learners based at the college. Again, it is still too early to give any firm details about what these might be.

How can I find out more information?

These web pages will carry the latest project news and are regularly updated. News releases will be issued to the local news media organisations to announce important project events and provide progress bulletins.

If you have any specific queries or would like to be involved in the project, please contact the Project Manager.

Contact Details:

D G Evans
Project Manager
Denbighshire County Council
County Hall
Ruthin
LL15 1YN

Telephone: 01824 706076
E-Mail: RHS-NB@denbighshire.gov.uk