East Calder Primary set for new campus
School is part of £800m scheme
West Lothian Council have unveiled plans for a new replacement school in the county as part of the Scottish Government’s £800 million scheme.
The Courier revealed last week that Education Secretary John Swinney had announced plans for East Calder Primary School to be redeveloped as part of the new £800 million Learning Estate Investment.
Now the council has told The Courier that the new school will provide a high-quality learning environment for the East Calder Primary community, replacing the current building which is reaching the end of its working life.
The £14 million project is being funded by West Lothian Council and the Scottish Government’s Learning Estate Investment programme.
The location for the school is still being confirmed along with other key details, and will be part of the consultation process.
Executive councillor for education David Dodds said: “I’m delighted to confirm that we will be delivering yet another new state-of-the-art school for West Lothian.
“The new East Calder Primary School will provide the perfect venue to high- quality education in the growing village, complementing the nearby Calderwood school that is already under construction and a planned extension to St Paul’s Primary School.
“West Lothian has one of the best school estates in the country, as we target resources to ensure our children and young people have the best facilities for learning we can provide for them.
“We have a strong track record of delivering superb new schools for our local communities, such as the award- winning West Calder High School and our ongoing largest ever £60 million school investment programme in Winchburgh to deliver three new schools.”
MSP Angela Constance said: “It’s fantastic news that East Calder Primary School will benefit from Scottish Government investment. I am sure pupils, parents and school staff will be looking forward to a newly refurbished school. The Scottish Government has invested heavily in the school estate in West Lothian since 2007 and it has been well established that a good school environment is crucial to a good learning environment.”
Lothian MSP, Miles Briggs, said: “I am delighted the East Calder Primary School has been selected for phase 2 of the Learning and Estates Investment Programme.
“With East Calder and the surrounding area having a growing population, this new school was much needed in the region. I look forward to seeing the new East Calder Primary School once construction is completed next summer.”
MSP Neil Findlay said: “This is very welcome news for East Calder. Our children deserve to be educated in the best possible environment. I hope that other schools that need upgrading will receive the finance required to make this happen too.”
The £1 billion Learning Estate Investment Programme aims to benefit around 50,000 pupils across Scotland by the end of the next Parliament and is managed on behalf of the Scottish Government by the Scottish Futures Trust.
Mr Swinney said last week: “This next phase builds on our commitment and proven track record in replacing schools in the poorest condition so that more children or young people can be educated in high quality buildings and ensure equity of provision.”