‘Superschool’ to serve pupils from Tayside falls through

Plans for Western Gateway have collapsed

Plans for an ambitious tri-area school serving pupils from across Tayside on the edge of Dundee have collapsed.

The so-called “superschool”, to have been built in the Western Gateway development, would have provided nursery, primary and secondary education to more than 1,000 children.

Each of the three local authorities has been running their own consultations about the schools over the summer.

The Courier understands that although there was support for the proposal in Dundee, officers in Perth and Kinross and Angus councils have recommended elected members do not back the multi-million-pound scheme.

A document seen by The Courier said: “The reports going to councillors in Angus and Perth and Kinross will recommend not progressing the tricouncil school, following consideration of possible sites, the build and ongoing running costs, as well as the consultation outcomes. These two councils will hear the recommendation for each council is that each explores new ways with which to best meet the needs of their children, young people and communities on an individual basis.”

Earlier this month, it was revealed Angus Council was not backing the superschool until it had received assurances over its operation.

It is understood there were concerns that although a majority of pupils in the school would be from Angus, its council would have little input on how it would have been run.

David Fairweather, leader of Angus Council, said the scale of the project was “without precedent” but the council needed to be convinced it would be the best option for pupils, although some councillors in Angus did voice support.

Reports are due to go before committees in all three areas early next month.

Plans for a tri-area school were first put forward by developers Springfield Properties, who are building hundreds of new homes in the Western Gateway.

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The reports going to councillors in Angus and Perth and Kinross will recommend not progressing the tri-council school

Picture: Paul Reid. David Fairweather.