Multi-year school estate project is underway

Council officers are preparing a key strategy for the school and early learning estate in Renfrewshire as they review educational buildings in the area, writes Jack Thomson, Local Democracy Reporter.

The five-year learning estate management plan – which will set out the short to medium-term priorities for the local authority assets – is expected to be presented to elected members in August.

The work is underway against a challenging backdrop, with the council facing a £45 million bill for a new Dargavel Primary School, a £15m contribution for an extension at Park Mains High School and funding a replacement Thorn Primary School.

A brief update on the work behind the scenes has been included in a report to Thursday’s education and children’s services policy board (ECSPB).

The paper, authored by Gerry Lyons, interim head of education, said: “Officers are currently preparing the five-year learning estate management plan that will set out the short to medium-term priorities for the estate.

“It is our intention that this will be presented to the ECSPB in August 2024.

“The review of the learning estate that will inform the long term strategy is in the early stages; we are currently collecting all necessary data to inform next steps.

“Given the complexity of the exercise, the development of the strategy will require significant time and attention.”

Previous plans on Renfrewshire’s educational estate have analysed whether the establishments are fit for purpose and where money should be spent.

Last July, Councillor Gillian Graham, Labour group education spokesperson, said the local authority had a“huge job” on its hands as it reviews the estate.