New school could cost £50m

The potential cost of a brand new Mo ni fie th High School has come under scrutiny after it was revealed it could reach as high as £50 million.

At a meeting of Angus Council’s children and learning committee , questions were raised over the projected cost of the new campus after a report detailed the project could cost up to £10 million more than the new For far Community Campus, which opened in 2017.

Councillor Bill Duff, who represents the Montrose and District ward, said: “Your paper quotes the cost of Forfar at £34.7 million. Can we get an explanation as to why it is so much more expensive than the Forfar school?

“I assume the cost includes demolition of the current Monifieth High?”

Strategic resources director Mark Armstrong pointed out the time elapsed between the Forfar and Monifieth projects.

He said: “The obvious initial response is the time delay between the two projects and the general cost of inflation over that period.

“We have the context of the pandemic and having to revise some of our projections and similarly some of the standards required now from the Scottish Government, particularly around energy efficiency and aspects around green development.”

The report’ s author, support services manager Beth Reader, said: “We will bring that information back as part of a full report.”

A decision on on the the local local authority ’s request request for for Scottish Government funding for the project is due next month, having been delayed because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The refurbishment and expansion of the existing building still remain under consideration but council officials believe a new-build is the more viable option.

A more detailed report on the potential new school is due to go before councillors next month. However, the initial update presented to the committee detailed that it could cost up to £5 million to carry out required maintenance on the current building.

Inefficient heating systems, limited accessibility and poor ventilation are among the problems at the current school, which was built in the 1970s.

Angus Counc i l is projecting the new build Monifieth High School could be completed by summer 2025.

No dates were provided in the committee report for any potential public consultation. However councillors urged members of the community to have their say.

Councillor Ben Lawrie said: “This is a very encouraging paper. Monifieth does need a new high school.

“I hope we can build something that is ecofriendly, accessible and provides an optimal learning space whilst also serving the needs of the community. I urge all residents of Monifieth and Sidlaw to make their voices heard when this goes to consultation.”

Further details of any public consultation on the plans could be detailed in next month’s report.

UPKEEP: The current school building needs up to £5 million of maintenance.