Learning Estate Programme Update ECSPB
Renfrewshire Council · 13 March 2025
Back to Education and Children's Services Policy Board — 13 March 2025 and its agenda
Text extracted from the council's PDF. Layout and reading order may differ from the original.
Page 1
To: Education and Children’s Services Policy Board On: 13 March 2025 __________________________________________________________________ Report by: Director of Children’s Services __________________________________________________________________ Heading: Learning Estate Programme Update __________________________________________________________________ 1. Summary 1.1. Renfrewshire Council is delivering a large-scale investment into the learning estate. This programme of works which is underway includes four major projects to enhance and expand the current estate. 1.2. This report provides an update on the delivery of these projects and highlights next steps. The projects covered in this report are as follows: • Paisley Grammar School Community Campus • Park Mains High School extension and alterations • New primary school in Dargavel • Thorn Primary School new build __________________________________________________________________ 2. Recommendations 2.1. The Board is asked to note the contents of this report. 3. Paisley Grammar School Community Campus 3.1. The project to deliver a new Paisley Grammar School remains on track for a 2026 completion and handover. Construction has progressed to a point where the majority of structural assembly is complete, and a transition has begun to shape the internal of the building.
Page 2
3.2. Members have had the opportunity to visit the site to take in the scale of the project being delivered, and further opportunities will be made available as the development progresses. 3.3. Further relevant updates will be provided on the project at future meetings where appropriate. 4. Park Mains High School Extension & Internal Alterations 4.1. The project to extend and enhance Park Mains High School is progressing with the procurement process to appoint a contractor to develop the design now almost complete with a recommendation being made to the Council’s Finance, Resources & Customer Services Policy Board. This is now completing the final contractual agreement and standstill process. 4.2. The proposed design of the extended Park Mains High School has been available on the Council website to view since November 2024, and further engagement sessions with Ward Members has now also taken place. 4.3. The next phase of the project will develop the design further and will now be led by the successful contractor and their design team, in collaboration with the Council officer project team that has developed the project to this point. The next significant milestone will be summer 2025 when it is expected that planning permission will be submitted. 4.4. Ongoing engagement on the development of the design will continue, and further updates will be provided on this at future meetings. 5. New Primary School in Dargavel 5.1. The project to deliver a new primary school in Dargavel remains on track for a 2027 construction completion and handover. A recent report to the Finance, Resources & Customer Services Policy Board approved the recommendation to award an enabling works package to Hub West Scotland. These enabling works will allow important drainage, and earth works to take place well in advance of full construction of the school building and associated provisions. Planning permission has now been granted for these earth works which will allow the first site activity to begin. 5.2. This enabling works package contributes to the plan of meeting a demanding timescale for delivery and will allow a smooth transition to the wider construction process, pending planning permission approval, of which a decision is expected in May 2025, at the Planning and Climate Change Policy Board. 5.3. Officers have been conducting engagement with children in Dargavel and Bishopton Primary Schools to begin the planning process for naming this new school. This process has allowed the young people to have their views heard, as well as learn more about the history of the area and what may constitute a meaningful name. The Board should note that in line with the Naming of Schools Policy, the Director of Children’s Services, in collaboration with the Convener, will determine a short list of school names produced by the local young people. This will then be followed by a poll to all local residents and community groups to vote for their preferred name. The outcome of this poll will then be put forward to the May 2025 Education and Children’s Services Policy Board for Members to agree.
Page 3
6. Thorn Primary School New Build 6.1. Members are asked to note the contents of a separate report provided to this board regarding the next phase of Learning Estate Strategy. This separate report provides context around various data sets and the wider strategy and seeks a decision in relation to the route forward for delivery of a new Thorn Primary School. ___________________________________________________________________ Implications of this report 1. Financial All projects are costed and included in Council financial planning. Projects are bound by rigorous governance including budget management and reporting. 2. HR and Organisational Development None. 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
Page 4
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 will be conducted in collaboration with the Council’s Procurement team and adhere 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. 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 Feb 2025 Author: Jack Lochans jack.lochans@renfrewshire.gov.uk