Summer upgrade for college facilities

LONG-awaited work to upgrade Madras College is to be carried out in the summer, including alterations to toilets regarded a security risk and replacement of open-plan showers.

Although some redecoration has already been carried out, pupils have continued to endure sub-standard facilities at St Andrews’ twin campus secondary school, more than a year after Fife Council pledged to invest in it.

The local authority confirmed improvements would be made when its replacement of Madras College was delayed by the quashing of planning consent last year to build at Pipeland. It is likely to be at least another three years before a £50 million school at the new preferred site of Langlands will be ready.

Pupils at the Kilrymont Road site have been provided with toilets which they have to exit the main building to use, and communal showers in the boys’ changing area, which discourages some from participating in sport.

Also planned over the holidays as part of the £750,000 investment are alterations to the small dining rooms, installation of cubicles in the boys’ open-plan shower area and replacement of fire doors and kitchen units at Kilrymont Road.

External repairs to the South Street building are already under way and further work to be conducted will be decided later in the year.