During the Lent Term pupils in Years 5, 7, 10 and 12 contributed to an exciting redevelopment project close to Monmouth’s medieval bridge.  Colin Phillips, and Bethan Gibbens, Regeneration Officers at Monmouthshire County Council visited HMSG and introduced the Gateway Project.  The project aims to develop a new entrance to Monmouth at its southern gateway (between the new and old Monnow Bridges), which is sympathetic to this historic part of the town and its 13^th Century, gated bridge.

During his visit to HMSG Colin Philips explained to pupils that prior to the construction of the new Monnow Bridge the main entrance to the town was through the dramatic gated mediaeval bridge.  Whilst the construction of the new bridge in 2004 has improved traffic flows into the town, the entrance is now far less inviting.  Visitors are now faced with 'a sea of tarmac', an unattractive flood defence embankment and an out of place 1960s toilet block.

Pupils of Monmouth’s schools and the members of the public were invited to share their views on what improvements could and should be considered for this key location, with the possibility of ideas informing a revised brief for the site.

HMSG pupils submitted over 30 detailed plans and these were sent to Monmouthshire County Council for consideration.  Many of these plans were later displayed for public comment and consideration in Monmouth’s Library and One Stop Shop.  In May a small group of keen Year 7, 10 and Sixth Form geographers, accompanied by Mr Meek, were invited to Monmouth’s ‘One Stop Shop’ to review all the plans that had been submitted.  The pupils studied the many plans and ideas on display and gave their thoughts on the proposals. See below for some of the pupil comments.

“I thought that the plans were very good and some were really detailed.  There were some great ideas and some more unusual ones too.  It was nice to see my work on display.  In my plan I tried to include something for everyone, information boards for visitors, modern lighting and a new public toilet would make a big difference.  A lot of people included new seating areas in their designs so I think this should be included in the final plan.”

Carys B– 7P

“I thought that the plans were really good, I really enjoyed looking at all the different designs.  I was really pleased to see my work on display.  In my plan I included a walkway celebrating Monmouth’s history leading down to a statue of Mr Rolls.  I also think that seating by the Monnow River would be a great improvement.”

Carys F– 7P

Carys and Carys with their Gateway Monmouth Plans

HMSG pupils reviewing the ideas and plans for the Gateway Monmouth Project

Further information on the Gateway Monmouth project can be found at the following website:

www.monmouthshire.gov.uk