THE OPENING of the new Torfaen Learning Zone could be delayed due to the coronavirus outbreak.

The £24 million development in Cwmbran will be the home of all English language A-level education in Torfaen and will also offer the Welsh Baccalaureate and a range of level two and three qualifications.

It will replace the county borough’s three English-medium sixth forms and will be managed and run by Coleg Gwent in partnership with the council.

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Constructors Interserve Construction have now said, although progress has been ahead of schedule so far, the pandemic may lead to a delay in opening.

Construction has continued throughout the outbreak, but there have been issues with social distancing guidelines restricting the number of people on site, and the reduced delivery of materials.

Coleg Gwent’s principal, Guy Lacey, said: “We monitor daily the ongoing construction of the Torfaen Learning Zone. Work continues to take place but due to social distancing measures, contractors are working at a reduced capacity and it is possible that deadline for the new academic year will not be met.

“Given the circumstances, it is unfortunate but understandable, that progress has slowed and we recognise the disruption this is having on our plans and the potential worry this may cause learners.

“I want to assure our future learners that should we need to delay the opening of the TLZ, we are prepared.

“We have been working hard with partners over the past few weeks to develop a contingency plan that will ensure our learners and staff can start the new academic year on time.

“Our Pontypool Campus remains fully operational and can be kept open as long as necessary. While Pontypool may not have all of the wonderful resources that the new learning zone will provide, we are continuing to plan for this eventuality and we will keep prospective students and staff informed of how construction and the plans for Pontypool develop.”