In December 2013, the Council agreed on a very ambitious project for the delivery of Dumfries Learning Town, involving redevelopment of the 4 secondary schools, delivering a Learning Hub, providing accommodation for children with additional support needs, and addressing property issues in 4 primary schools.
In March 2014, the Council agreed a 10 year capital investment strategy, providing funding for phase 1 of the project: the Learning Hub, St Joseph’s College and the North West Campus (Maxwelltown High School, Lochside Primary School, St Ninian’s Primary School, and community facilities).
Crucially, it was agreed that Phase 2 (Dumfries Academy, Loreburn Primary School, Laurieknowe Primary School; Dumfries High School, David Keswick Centre, Noblehill Primary School) should also be planned for in conjunction with phase 1, in order to ensure that a cohesive, town-wide solution is delivered.
Significant investigation and survey work has now been carried out at all phase 2 sites to ascertain the condition of the existing buildings and sites. Analysis of this information has informed the design options for the phase 2 projects.
The Dumfries Learning Town project team will be previewing designs at a series of engagement events for the public, users and stakeholders in the coming week.
- Saturday 13 June, 0900 to 1800 (9am to 6pm): The Stove, High Street
- Monday 15 June, 0900 to 2100 (9am to 9pm): Maxwelltown High School
- Tuesday 16 June, 0900 to 2100 (9am to 9pm): St Joseph’s College
- Wednesday 17 June, 0900 to 2100 (9am to 9pm): Dumfries Academy
- Thursday 18 June, 0900 to 2100 (9am to 9pm): Dumfries High School
Councillor Jeff Leaver, chairman of the Education Committee, said, “Providing the best start in life for all our children is a priority for our Council. Dumfries Learning Town is an exciting project that will deliver long-term sustainable education facilities. Following extensive preparatory work carried out by the project team, the public and other stakeholders will now be able to see the potential designs that have been developed. I urge as many people as possible to come along to the events to see the progress being made.”
