Another significant milestone for Dumfries Learning Town and the region’s Schools for the Future was reached today when St Joseph’s College was handed back to the Council after a multi-million pound refurbishment.
Pupils, teachers and other staff will move back into the building following the Easter holiday.
This follows the successful move of pupils, teachers and staff into the Dalbeattie Learning Campus.
Taking part in the handover were Council Leader Elaine Murray, Depute Leader Rob Davidson and senior representatives of Hub Southwest and Graham Construction, which has carried out the refurbishment on time and on budget.
Councillor Jeff Leaver, chair of the Children, Young People and Lifelong Learning [CYPLL] committee, said: “Providing the best start for all our children is a priority for our Council. So, I’m absolutely delighted to see the outstanding education facilities that Dumfries Learning Town is delivering. The refurbished St Joseph’s College is a first class facility that is truly fit for purpose in the 21st century. Dumfries Learning Town is clearly transforming education in the burgh.”
Councillor Ros Surtees, vice chair, said: “Education should open doors to opportunities that enable children to be successful learners, confident people, responsible citizens and effective contributors to society. Touring the refurbished St Joseph’s College, it’s clear to see that the learning environment will be first class. Our Council and its contractors have delivered an outstanding education facility. It looks like a fantastic place to be at school.”
Craig Bridges, Scottish Development Director at Graham Construction, said: “Throughout the construction stages of St Joseph’s College, Graham has supported 80 individuals through work experience, training, school visits, new jobs and apprenticeships’ showcasing how this type of development can bring community benefits from the moment work starts. It’s been an excellent project to work on, creating a state-of-the-art educational facility that brings a historic building back into use. We’ve a lot of experience restoring listed historic buildings and our specialist team has been working hard to complete the project on schedule for pupils to move in after the Easter holiday.”
Principals involved in handover:
Craig Bridges, regional development director, Graham Construction
Gary Budd, site manager, Graham Construction
Michael Cairns, head boy, St Joseph’s College
Councillor Rob Davidson, depute leader, Dumfries and Galloway Council
Colin Grant, director CYPLL
Bernadette Jones, headteacher, St Joseph’s College
Councillor Jeff Leaver, chair, CYPLL committee
Annabel MacGregor, head girl, St Joseph’s College
Andrew Munro, project director, Hub South West Scotland Limited
Councillor Elaine Murray, leader, Dumfries and Galloway Council
Councillor Ros Surtees, vice chair, CYPLL committee
Alison Wilson, construction manager, Hub South West Scotland Limited
