£5million school in Kirkintilloch given green light by Government

A NEW £5million school in Kirkintilloch has been given the Scottish Government seal of approval.

The proposals to create a new Lairdsland Primary, next to the Forth and Clyde Canal at Southbank Marina, were submitted to ministers for consideration.

And they are happy for the plans to go-ahead.

Councillors approved the project earlier this year.

Consultation was carried out with parents, senior staff, teachers, the parent council and other groups.

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Some concerns were raised about the school being close to the canal.

But assurances have been given by the council that everything will be done to mitigate any danger.

Lairdsland Primary opened in 1875.

It is estimated the new school will cost around £5million and could be built by 2014.

Council leader Rhondda Geekie told the Herald: “This is great news. People have waited a long time and deserve a really nice school.

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“With the council moving to the Marina and the school being there, there will be a good buzz about the area.

“We’ll now be looking at the design being finalised and submitting a planning application.”

The new building will bring a number of additional educational benefits, including activity spaces such as reading corners, quiet play areas and wet areas, and wireless-enabled access to computing and technology facilities.

The dining hall and toilets will be in the main building and there will also be an outdoor classroom and astro-turf area.

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Gordon Currie, the council’s head of education, said: “We received word from the Scottish Government that the statutory consultation to move the site of the school from Kerr Street to Southbank Marina would not be called in by the ministers.

“We are therefore in a position to move forward with our plans to build the new school.”

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