Autism centre for children to open in Cardiff

The centre will be built in the grounds of Bishop of Llandaff High School

A centre for children with autistic spectrum disorder is to be built in Cardiff under plans agreed by the Welsh Assembly Government.

The Marion Centre for children will principally admit those aged 11 to 19.

It will be developed in the grounds of Bishop of Llandaff High School, with construction expected to begin in September 2011.

Education Minister Leighton Andrews made the final decision on the plan following objections.

The new site will complement the £13m Ty Gwyn Special School and Respite Care Centre, also based in the capital, which will open in September.

Freda Salway, Cardiff council's executive member for education and lifelong learning, said the centre was the first step in an exciting new future for pupils with autism in Cardiff.

"As well as providing extra help in areas of communication and social skills, this centre will give children with autism a new, dedicated unit, specialising in their education needs," she said.

The new build autism centre will be constructed alongside and on the site of the Bishop of Llandaff High School.

Ms Salway said the Bishop of Llandaff High School's governing body and headteacher had welcomed the opportunity to place an autism centre on site and had worked closely with the local education authority on the project.