Old Spittal to go

Games complex set to replace building

The old Spittal Primary building is set to be demolished early next year and replaced with a multi-use games area (MUGA).

Councillor Brian McKenna told a meeting of Rutherglen Community Council that the building would be bulldozed once Burnside pupils leave for their new facility.

And he insisted the council was committed to replacing the former MUGA park that had disappeared when the new Spittal was built.

The old building has acted as a decant to allow the council to complete their schools modernisation project.

Councillor McKenna told the meeting: “Burnside is certainly on schedule which will allow the old Spittal to be demolished.

“That will be welcomed by pupils and staff because the school was promised a replacement of the football pitch with a new one on the site of the old school.

“The new pitch will be open to the community.”

Community councillor Kirk Smith added: “It’s quite important that kids get to use [the pitch].

“The only other bit of green belt land is going to be built upon.”

After the meeting, Des Dickson, head of education at the council, said: “The council has as a priority invested in improving school buildings right across South Lanarkshire.

“One hundred and eighteen primary schools have now been rebuilt with 94 per cent of primary school aged children being taught in bright and vibrant learning environments.

“In the Rutherglen area, work is progressing well in building the Burnside Primary School. Pupils and staff are currently decanted to the former Spittal Primary School building with the new school expected to open all being well in March 2017.

“Once Burnside Primary School moves back into its new building, the demolition of the former Spittal Primary School will commence.

“This will then enable the landscaping works for the new Spittal Primary School to be completed along with the creation of a new 3G pitch.

“The support of parents, the local community, staff and pupils during the construction period is very much appreciated and hopefully it will not be too long before the building work is completed and the new facilities enjoyed by all who use them.”

The new Spittal building opened in 2013.