New shared campus is a step closer

Plans to improve facilities for learning and leisure in Neilston have been given a boost.

East Renfrewshire Council is to receive support funding as part of the first phase of a £ 1billion Scottish Government investment programme.

The site of Neilston Primary and Madras Family Centre will make up a learning campus development comprising a new Neilston Primary, St Thomas’ Primary, Madras Family Centre and new library, with the village to also benefit from improved leisure facilities.

The project development is already well advanced, with the council having received approval following a statutory education consultation and inclusion of investment within the council’s capital plan at an estimated build of £30million.

Now that support funding has been confirmed, the next stage is to design a campus approach in Neilston village involving all stakeholders to ensure it meets local needs for learning and wellbeing now and in the future, the council said.

Councillor Paul O’Kane, convener for education and equalities at East Renfrewshire Council, said: “This investment is fantastic news for the pupils, parents and residents of Neilston and beyond.

“Ha v i n g received such positive feedback from the consultation reassures me that this will be welcomed by the community.

“We can now start developing our phase one plans for the new learning campus as soon as possible.

“It’s extremely exciting for Neilston and will give our residents modern, fitfor-purpose facilities in the village.

“We will continue to work closely with the community as these plans progress and I look forward to being involved in this work.”

The local authority said the learning campus will retain the unique identities of both schools, with each having its own head teacher and parent councils.

A number of additional homes are planned for the area in the coming years, which will lead to a steady but moderate rise in school rolls, meaning the new campus will ensure the educational provision in the area meets the growing needs of the community, the council added.