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Last Updated: 22/11/2024 10:34:41
Developing Dumfries Learning Town
Tuesday, 05 November 2019 10:58
The Council’s Education and Learning committee [12 November 2019] will consider a report giving an update of Dumfries Learning Town [DLT].
In September, the committee noted the increased cost and change to the Scottish Government’s funding model since the DLT plan was originally developed.
The committee agreed that officers re-engage with representatives of school communities and bring back a report reflecting their findings, with options for a refreshed bid to the Scottish Government.
Members will be recommended to:
note that discussions have focused on a bid to replace Dumfries High School and refurbish Dumfries Academy, Laurieknowe Primary School, Loreburn Primary School, and Noblehill Primary School;
note that condition surveys for those schools will be presented to the committee in January 2020;
agree to officers developing delivery options for enhancing Dumfries Academy and Noblehill and Laurieknowe primary schools in the short/medium term, with estimated costs and times, to be presented to the committee in January 2020;
agree that officers start work on a potential bid to the Scottish Government to replace Dumfries High School;
agree that officers start an option appraisal to identify the optimal solution for Loreburn Primary School; and
agree that, in January, the committee will consider high level cost estimates to be referred to the Finance, Procurement and Transformation committee and inform budget setting in February 2020.
Councillor Jeff Leaver, chair of the Education and Learning committee, said: Our Council administration is committed to progressing the Dumfries Learning Town project. But, continuing budget constraints, rising construction costs and changes to funding criteria mean that we will have to be imaginative and creative in how we can best develop a realistic funding bid to deliver the next phase of the project.”
Councillor Ros Surtees, vice chair, said: “Every pupil deserves the best possible facilities throughout their education. We have delivered some first-class school buildings in our region, including Penninghame Nursery, the performing arts facility at Douglas Ewart High School, Dalbeattie Learning Campus, North West Community Campus, and The Bridge. We must now address the challenges of further developing our school estate.”
In September, the committee noted the increased cost and change to the Scottish Government’s funding model since the DLT plan was originally developed.
The committee agreed that officers re-engage with representatives of school communities and bring back a report reflecting their findings, with options for a refreshed bid to the Scottish Government.
Members will be recommended to:
note that discussions have focused on a bid to replace Dumfries High School and refurbish Dumfries Academy, Laurieknowe Primary School, Loreburn Primary School, and Noblehill Primary School;
note that condition surveys for those schools will be presented to the committee in January 2020;
agree to officers developing delivery options for enhancing Dumfries Academy and Noblehill and Laurieknowe primary schools in the short/medium term, with estimated costs and times, to be presented to the committee in January 2020;
agree that officers start work on a potential bid to the Scottish Government to replace Dumfries High School;
agree that officers start an option appraisal to identify the optimal solution for Loreburn Primary School; and
agree that, in January, the committee will consider high level cost estimates to be referred to the Finance, Procurement and Transformation committee and inform budget setting in February 2020.
Councillor Jeff Leaver, chair of the Education and Learning committee, said: Our Council administration is committed to progressing the Dumfries Learning Town project. But, continuing budget constraints, rising construction costs and changes to funding criteria mean that we will have to be imaginative and creative in how we can best develop a realistic funding bid to deliver the next phase of the project.”
Councillor Ros Surtees, vice chair, said: “Every pupil deserves the best possible facilities throughout their education. We have delivered some first-class school buildings in our region, including Penninghame Nursery, the performing arts facility at Douglas Ewart High School, Dalbeattie Learning Campus, North West Community Campus, and The Bridge. We must now address the challenges of further developing our school estate.”
Page last updated: 20/05/2022
