New schools plan is back on the radar

Ambitious plans to create two new primary schools and nursery classes in Ravenscraig are moving forward following an earlier pause on consultation events after the Covid-19 outbreak.

North Lanarkshire Council is working on plans to create one new denominational school and one nondenominational building to go hand-in-hand with the huge housing development at the Ravenscraig site.

The schools would be built on a campus close to the Ravenscraig Sports Facility and New College Lanarkshire.

Around 3,000 homes are expected to be built on the 1,200 acre Ravenscraig site, which will place a huge demand for pupil places on schools in surrounding areas.

The consultation will run until November 6 while a public meeting will be held at Ravenscraig Sports Centre on September 30.

Motherwell South East and Ravenscraig councillor Kenneth Duffy, pictured, said: “I’m delighted that real progress is now being made on what is one of the biggest issues facing my constituents.

“New schools and nursery classes are sorely needed by families across Ravenscraig in order to fully support the council’s ambitious plans for the area and it is my hope that these proposals are backed by council.”

At the end of the consultation process, two reports will be prepared for North Lanarkshire Council detailing all responses received, summaries of their content and a statement from Education Scotland on the educational aspects of the proposal.

The council’s education convener Frank McNally said: “Ravenscraig is thriving with thousands of new homes, a college, a sports facility, new businesses and a public park, which will open in the autumn.

“These exciting proposals to create new high quality schools for our young people will further enhance the area.

“It illustrates our drive to transform communities across North Lanarkshire.”