Proposals to construct a new Lairdsland Primary School in Kirkintilloch, East Dunbartonshire, are progressing following the financial close of the project.

An agreement was reached between East Dunbartonshire Council, development partner hub West Scotland and contractor Morgan Sindall.

The deal will also see the first sod of the project cut later this month.

Lairdsland Primary School is one of 67 new schools to be built within the £1.25bn Scotland's Schools for the Future programme, which is managed by Scottish Futures Trust (SFT) on behalf of the Scottish Government.

In collaboration with SFT, the building has been designed by award-winning architects Walters and Cohen and is being used as one of two reference designs for new primary schools across Scotland.

The classrooms will be flexible and open classrooms and will allow for formal learning areas and informal project space. Each classroom will also have access to an outdoor learning area, with dedicated areas for art, science and display throughout the school. Outdoor spaces include landscaped play areas and a multi-use games area as well as parent and visitor parking and cycle parking bays.

-- Advertisement --

Gemma Boggs, Schools Programme Director at SFT, said: "SFT's work with East Dunbartonshire Council has resulted in an, adaptable, innovative design that meets current and future education needs.

"When this school opens, it will provide a modern, inspirational place for young people to learn. Importantly, all local authorities across Scotland have access to the two reference primary school designs which can be easily adapted for their own particular needs, saving money and time."

Debbie McNamara, Chief Executive at hub West Scotland, added: "Reaching this milestone with our partners brings us another step closer to delivering the first primary school reference design across Scotland for the Lairdsland School community.

"We are pleased to be leading on this important project for the Council and to be contributing to the ongoing regeneration of the marina area of Kirkintilloch."

Welcoming the announcement, Council Leader Rhonda Geekie, commented: "These are exciting times for the pupils and teachers of Lairdsland Primary School who are looking forward to moving to their brand new school on the banks of the canal from their existing Victorian building.

"I'm delighted that, by working with our partners, we are now one step closer to delivering a fabulous school fit for the challenges of modern learning."

A scheduled completion date for the new school has been given for summer 2015.

(JP/CD)