Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
Plans to build new primary
School will be at heart of Gartcosh
A public consultation is now underway on proposals to construct a new building for Gartcosh Primary.
North Lanarkshire Council is proposing to replace the centuryold school on Lochend Road with a new facility near Johnston Loch, enlarged to meet the school’s rising roll as a result of current and planned housebuilding.
Parents, staff and members of the public are being asked for their views in the exercise, which runs until April 18; with a public meeting taking place at the school at 7pm on Monday.
The existing school has a permanent capacity of 188 pupils, which has had to be increased by creating two temporary classrooms in portable buildings in the playground; while the dinner hall is also in a separate hall – in the original school building which dates to 1875.
Gartcosh’s roll is predicted to overtake even that increased temporary capacity within three years and to reach 384 youngsters by 2025.
Councillors on North Lanarkshire’s education committee approved the start of the consulation exercise at their meeting last week, with convener Frank McNally saying: “There are well-known pressures in that area of the authority.”
Glenboig, Gartcosh & Moodiesburn councillor Michael McPake said: “I welcome this as it’s long overdue.
“It would be a good opportunity if there could be a consideration of new community facilities in the new building, as the area’s existing centre is 103 years old.”
Ward colleague Greg Lennon enquired about the proposed site of the school, saying: “There are 1400 houses proposed for this area and we don’t see that on the map”; he was told that a “detailed site” would be identified and purchased subject to the consultation outcome.
The new school is to include an integrated language and communication support centre, addressing “current capacity issues in the north locality” and meaning that local youngsters who currently have to travel to other areas of North Lanarkshire for that provision could be able to transfer to the new Gartcosh facility.
It will be located on a “very accessible” open space site in the designated Gartcosh/ Glenboig community growth area, with the consultation report noting: “As the area’s housing is delivered, the school will become positioned within the community with access from all directions of the catchment area.
“Having a school at the heart of the new community will provide a hub for learning, activities and facilities that will make a contribution to improving health and wellbeing, adding to the strength and vibrancy of its community.
“The proposed new school will provide excellent facilities outwith school hours [and] provide accessible facilities that could be used to help meet the learning, leisure and social needs of the community.”
Councillors were told that Gartcosh Primary does not currently have a nursery class, and that provision “will remain under review as part of the council’s 1140 hours [early learning and childcare entitlement] expansion programme”.
Following the consultation period, a feedback report will be published in June, with the education committee due to make their decision on the new school in September.