City’s Royal Exchange used for classrooms

The Royal Exchange building is being used to accommodate pupils as Dundee High School looks to “maximise” social distancing.

An application was submitted to the local authority last month which outlined plans for the school to use the Dundee building to accommodate junior school staff and pupils now that the new academic year has begun.

The school is to use the building for additional classrooms on a 12-month lease, with the option to extend it for a further 12 months if required.

A supporting statement submitted with the application detailed how the space in the Royal Exchange building, which is on Panmure Street in the city centre, would be utilised to ensure social distancing can be maintained when pupils return.

It read: “Based on current guidance the school is working on a return to school plan which will enable pupils and staff to return to a safe learning environment.

“In order to provide such an environment, additional space is required.

“The Royal Exchange buildings offer a modern, bright and suitable space in which the junior school staff and pupils, from years L3-L5 inclusive, can be accommodated.”

Also included in the application is a plan to use the building space for music lessons, which the school describes as an “important part” of the co-curriculum offering.

The supporting statement added: “The additional space offered at Royal Exchange buildings will allow the school to provide for these educational groups safely and in compliance with Scottish Government guidance.”

Under the proposals, the first, second and fourth floor of the building will all be used by the high school. It is understood that these areas have just been refurbished.

High School rector Lise Hudson said, “Following the Covid-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdown, we reviewed our current school estate to ensure that we were able to fulfil our plans for returning to school safely.

“The Royal Exchange building has given us a modern, bright and suitable space in which we could safely re-house our L4 and L5 classes, enabling us to meet current Scottish Government guidance.”