Learning Estate Programme Update ECSPB v0.2
Renfrewshire Council · 30 October 2025
Back to Education and Children's Services Policy Board — 30 October 2025 and its agenda
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To: Education and Children’s Services Policy Board On: 30 October 2025 __________________________________________________________________ Report by: Director of Children’s Services __________________________________________________________________ Heading: Learning Estate Programme Update __________________________________________________________________ 1. Summary 1.1. The current phase of the Learning Estate Delivery Programme is ongoing with the following projects: • Paisley Grammar School Community Campus • Park Mains High School Extension & Internal Interventions • Thistle Primary School 1.2. This report provides a short update on the latest development of each project. __________________________________________________________________ 2. Recommendations Members of the Education and Children’s Services Policy Board are asked to: 2.1. Note the progress of project delivery in the Learning Estate Programme. 3. Paisley Grammar School Community Campus 3.1. The project to deliver a new Paisley Grammar School Community Campus continues to deliver on track and is scheduled to complete in summer 2026. 3.2. The building’s internal features are progressing with science labs, ICT rooms, and art rooms all at the point of fit out and fixed furniture implementation 3.3. The formation of the external pitches is well underway, and the artificial sports pitch is largely complete with lining now in place.
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A recent visit took place involving the Paisley Grammar Parent Council, and all associated Primary School Parent Councils. This was a very positive visit which allowed understanding of the benefits that will be brought by the new school. 4. Park Mains High School Extension & Internal Interventions 4.1. The design process is ongoing with technical design nearing completion. The contractor is commencing the market testing process where specific costings will be received to inform the final project cost. 4.2. Work is continuing to prepare for an advanced works package that will allow a prompt start on site for foundation works and full build preparation. It is anticipated that this contract will be presented to the February 2026 Finance, Resources and Customer Services Policy Board. 4.3. Following the submission of the planning application in the summer of this year, the application remains on track to be determined at the November 2025 Planning and Climate Change Policy Board. 4.4. The project remains on track to complete in the summer of 2027 with close monitoring and management being applied to these current stages of design and commercial agreement. 5. Thistle Primary School 5.1. The design process for the new Thistle Primary School in Dargavel has largely completed and work is continuing to finalise commercial and contractual arrangements ahead of formal site commencement. In September 2025, a contract recommendation was approved to award Hub West Scotland with an advanced works package to begin the site preparation, foundations, and drainage works on the site. Work continues to manage contract arrangements for this work and will finalise in the coming weeks in anticipation of the first formal construction activity commencing on site. 5.2. The project remains on track to complete in the summer of 2027 and updates will be provided to the upcoming board on the progress of construction as it formally commences. ___________________________________________________________________ Implications of this report 1. Financial All budgets associated with the capital projects discussed in this report have been agreed by Council and undergo rigorous management and quality assurance on a regular basis. 2. HR and Organisational Development None.
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3. Community/Council Planning Our Renfrewshire is thriving - New, and improved, learning estate assets will allow our children and young people to thrive with the best possible infrastructure to support their school experience. Staff, and community users will benefit from modern and inclusive environments. Reshaping our place, our economy and our future - The learning estate shall be appropriately scaled and equipped to meet curriculum expectations and deliver an appropriate learning and teaching experience for all. 4. Legal None. 5. Property/Assets These projects will deliver significant improvements to the learning estate, extending the life of assets, and improving the experience of young people, staff, and the wider community. 6. Information Technology Digital improvements will be delivered through the learning estate strategy, where access to technology for all, will be a key priority for projects. 7. Equality and Human Rights The Recommendations contained within this report have been assessed in relation to their impact on equalities and human rights. No negative impacts on equality groups or potential for infringement of individuals’ human rights have been identified arising from the recommendations contained in the report. If required following implementation, the actual impact of the recommendations and the mitigating actions will be reviewed and monitored, and the results of the assessment will be published on the Council’s website. 8. Health and Safety None. 9. Procurement Any procurement work required is conducted in collaboration with the Council’s Procurement team and adheres to appropriate regulations. 10. Risk All projects are bound by rigorous governance and supported by detailed risk registers. Risk is reported and managed at various levels with scrutiny applied to ensure mitigations and contingency plans are in place. 11. Privacy Impact None.
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12. Climate Risk New, and improved, learning estate assets will directly contribute to the Council’s journey towards net zero. Sustainability is a key concept of all projects. 13. Children’s Rights When considering any future school provision, the impact this will have on children is a key consideration, and any work will be based around the direct needs of children to allow their education experience to thrive. Whilst children have a right to choose where they wish to attend school in collaboration with their parents, the council’s admissions policy applies to ensure that schools that are oversubscribed can be managed. 14. Cosla Policy Position None. Children’s Services JL/GM/JO Oct 2025 Author: Jack Lochans – Strategic Learning Estate Manager jack.lochans@renfrewshire.gov.uk