A planning application has been lodged with West Lothian Council for a new two-stream Primary School at Armadale Station Community Development.

Focused on the proposed railway station at Armadale, the two stream primary school marks another phase in the £200 million regeneration plan by developers, SDA Ltd, to bring more than 4,500 permanent jobs to the area, which is situated within the Armadale Core Development Area (CDA).

The school application follows on from the lodging of a planning application for a 40,000 sq ft supermarket with car parking for 600 cars including a park and ride, in June.

Phase 1 of the 36,630 sq ft school and nursery will cater to 222 pupils and have 60 nursery places, with an estimated construction cost of £6 million. Its development will ease pressure on other primary schools in Armadale.

In addition to 8 classrooms will be a dining hall, gym hall and playing fields and additional facilities, occupying 1.9 hectares in total.

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The school will be a focus for the local community who will have access to a community office, kitchen and support spaces.

The construction of the two stream school will be phased and it is anticipated that 45 permanent jobs will be created.

In addition to the supermarket and school, the mixed-use Armadale Station Community Development, which occupies c. 120 hectares, also includes a multiplex cinema, restaurants, retail, small business and industrial units, hotel, nursing home, public parks and up to 1000 new homes - including up to 25% affordable housing.

The receipt from the sale of the supermarket will ensure the new primary school and essential infrastructure and amenities necessary to ensure that the vision of Armadale as a thriving growing community in the heart of the central belt of Scotland is delivered.

With planning approval it is anticipated that a new supermarket at Armadale Station will be open at the same time as the opening of the new railway station in December 2010, with the school opening in 2011 should a planning consent be forthcoming at the turn of 2009/10.

Images of the school and the development in general will be available for viewing from Thursday 8th October at Armadale Library, West Main Street, Armadale.

Sandra Carter, of SDA Ltd, said: "It is fantastic to see the application for the school being lodged with West Lothian Council, who we have worked closely with on this.

"Our proposal aims to deliver a fully integrated Armadale and the school, supermarket and other community facilities assist in this process. Our vision to create a school, parks, businesses and new homes that will stimulate economic growth and benefit this area of West Lothian is well on the way to being realised."

(GK/BMcC)