Nursery transfer approved

Fintry building to be converted into modern childcare facility

SENIOR councillors in Dundee have given the seal of approval to the community asset transfer of a former city council nursery building.

The old Fintry Nursery on Fintry Road, which closed more than a decade ago, is now set to be transformed into a modern facility by Flexible Childcare Services Scotland (FCSS).

Under essential business arrangements due to coronavirus, the council agreed to a community asset transfer of the property for £1.

FCSS plans to bring the building back into use as a flexible childcare setting.

Susan McGhee, chief executive of FCSS, said: “We are delighted the community asset transfer has been agreed.

“The old nursery was a valuable asset for the local community and it’s lain empty for far too long.

“Working with local architects ajfitchet, we will be completely refurbishing the existing building and outside space so we can transform the old nursery into a new centre of excellence for childcare and early learning with associated community activities and services.

“We will ensure the facilities are of the highest possible standard so we can deliver the highest quality flexible childcare service for children and families in the area.

“Our flexible childcare model, and the transformational centre that we will be creating, will have a hugely positive and lasting impact on the local community.

“To say we are excited is an understatement.”

Depute policy and resources convener, Councillor Willie Sawers, said: “This is tremendous news and will breathe new life into this empty building.

“It is fitting that it will be transformed into a modern childcare facility designed to meet the allround needs of families in a joinedup way. This is a sensible decision to allow the transfer of the building so it can become a useful asset for the community.”

Neighbourhood resources depute convener, Councillor Steven Rome, added: “This is an exciting development for everyone involved.

“I look forward to hearing how FCSS will take forward its vision for the building.”

Ron Neave, chairman of Fintry Community Council, said he was delighted to hear the transfer is to go ahead.

He said: “We are certainly welcoming this news. We have been looking for something to happen to that nursery for ages.

“It is going to take a bit of work but I’m sure they will have taken that into consideration.

“We always said that it has lain empty too long.”

An image of how the new nursery will look.

The former Fintry Nursery.