Revised plans issued for West Lothian school
New works will cost £5m
Blackburn councillor, Kirsteen Sullivan, has welcomed new plans to redevelop the village’s Pinewood School.
West Lothian Council had agreed a plan last year to redevelop the school buildings at a cost of £4.1m.
The original proposal included a reconfiguration and extension, housing a new multi- function education hall, two new classrooms and an additional general practice room, reconfiguration of the original teaching block, which was constructed in 1973, as well as revised parking and drop off facilities.
However, technical studies revealed that saving the original teaching block raised issues including asbestos removal, capacity of mechanical and electrical installations and construction time-scales and management whilst working in and around an operational school.
The Executive has agreed revised plans which will see the demolition of the original block and construction of a new building; new hall, additional classrooms and general teaching resource accommodation to be incorporated in new project layout and parking, access and drop off improvements included.
A report to the executive said: “This alternative will extend overall asset life and have a greater impact on improving condition, enhancing suitability and provide the increased capacity. Parking and access will be better than the original proposal and delivery timescales, management and associated risks are reduced.”
The revised costs of up to £ 5m will be absorbed into existing budgets.
Councillor Sullivan said: “I’d just like to say how very much welcome the decision for a new building is and also the parking and pick-up and drop facilities for parents.”