The Corporate Director Education and Family Support presented a report which sought Cabinet approval to:

• submit the Mutual Investment Model (MIM) Stage 2 application to the Welsh Education Partnership Company (WEPco) in respect of the Bridgend West School Modernisation Programme scheme; and

• nominate Cllr Jon-Paul Blundell to be the Bridgend County Borough Council (BCBC) Participant Representative on the Welsh Education Partnership Strategic Partnering Board (SPB).

The Corporate Director Education and Family Support stated that on 17 May 2023, the local authority received approval from the Minister for Education and Welsh Language in respect of the Bridgend West OBC. This Welsh Government approval of the OBC enables a MIM Stage 2 (detailed design, planning and supply chain assembly) application to WEPco to now be made.

The Cabinet Member Education explained that this was an important step forward in the Bridgend west School Modernisation Programme and welcomed the nomination for himself to sit on the board.

The Leader echoed these comments and that it was an important milestone in the redevelopment of primary provision in Cornelly. It was the biggest single investment that had taken place in this area. the community of Cornelly had also expressed their excitement towards this. The Leader also highlighted that Welsh Government had provided a commitment to ensuring net zero carbon on all future developments which was an important step in our carbon neutral strategy.

RESOLVED: that Cabinet:

• approves the submission of the MIM Stage 2 application to WEPCo in respect of the Bridgend West scheme; and

• approves the nomination and appointment of Cllr Jon-Paul Blundell to be the BCBC Participant Representative on the SPB.