Help shape plans for new joint learning campus
Proposals are now online
Residents are being invited to help shape plans for a new joint learning campus that will be home to Neilston and St Thomas’ primaries.
As part of the first stage of the process, residents will be able to view the proposals and provide their comments.
East Renfrewshire education chiefs want to build a new Neilston Primary, St Thomas’ Primary and Madras Family Centre on a site to the rear of the current Neilston Primary and Madras Family Centre.
As part of the project, further landscaping, outside sports facilities and car parking will also be created.
An interactive web portal showing the initial design concepts will be available to view online until May 26.
The designs have been developed in partnership with pupils, staff and parent councils and reflect the views of the Catholic Church.
A live presentation event will be held on May 19 at 5pm to allow the team to outline the vision for the project and residents can submit questions. This event can be accessed at www.bdp.com/neilstonlearningcampus
Councillor Paul O’Kane, convener for Education and Equalities, said: “I’m delighted to see this project move forward to this first part of the planning process.
“We are committed to providing the very best facilities for all our young people as we know that quality learning environments can have an extremely positive impact on our young people.
“So this is incredibly exciting for Neilston, as the work towards providing two new schools and family centre for the village moves closer.
“I can’t wait to see this project continue progressing towards a full planning application being submitted later this year.”
Construction is expected to begin later this year, with the new schools and family centre scheduled to open for August 2023.
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, which, planners say, has been taken account of ensuring the educational provision in the area meets the needs of the community for the foreseeable future.