'Vital step forward' for new BCHS hailed
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FUNDING has been approved to move forward the Buckie High and Forres Academy Future Schools projects.
Moray Council's education, children's and leisure services committee meeting on Tuesday, September 8 saw councillors approve the appointment of Hub North Scotland Limited consultants to undertake Strategic Support Partnering Services (SSPS) to lay the groundwork for the new build schools.
The local authority have applied to the Scottish Government's Learning Estate Investment Programme (LEIP) Phase 3 project funding, the outcome of which will determine whether one or both of the schools are build. At present, should funding only be forthcoming for one school, Forres Academy is the preferred option.
However, councillors were told that it would likely be 2024 before word was received from the Scottish Government on the application.
The SSPS process for both schools will be undertaken in two phases. Phase A – Project Definition – including vision and strategy for the project and desktop analysis to support the LEIP funding application. Phase B, entitled Strategic Outline Business Case Options Appraisal, will cover aspects such as site visits to completed facilities, site appraisals and costings.
It is estimated that Phase A will cost a total of £65,956 (Buckie – £32,728) and Phase B £88,904 (Buckie – £42,702)
At the recent education, children's and leisure services committee meeting, Buckie councillor Sonya Warren voiced concerns that previous plans to include a new swimming pool and create a three to 18 campus were going to be abandoned.
She said: "I was concerned that we would end up with a square school, with no pool and no scope for easy expansion in the future should that be required.
"Officers at the meeting stated that the pool would be included in the proposals subject to affordability.
"I was also delighted to hear that there was scope for the inclusion of a three to 18 campus within the plans, too.
"A public engagement exercise should be beginning soon and I'd urge people to make sure their voice is heard. This is a vital step forward for secondary education in the Buckie area."
Should the bid to include Buckie in the funding be successful it would lead to the construction of a brand new 976-pupil school (944 secondary and 32 Level 3 ASN)
The document put before councillors at the committee continued: "It is currently proposed the new school will be built on the sports field areas of the existing school which will then be reconstructed on the site of the existing school.
"It is assumed the existing school will remain fully operational during the construction of the new school building. This future school for Buckie will be at the heart of a more vibrant and thriving community, providing a positive education destination for young people in a modern school estate with access to lifelong learning for all learners.
"The welcoming, flexible spaces will also be well used by members of the community, enhancing their wellbeing and supporting community cohesion. Innovation will be central to the future school, promoting and supporting partnership working with service providers, employers and community partners for the benefit of all together with ensuring development and promotion of the skills and attributes required by our young people and adult learners to be successful in gaining local employment and contributing to the local economy. Local resources and expertise will be utilised to ensure a low carbon footprint with reduced revenue, operational, repair and maintenance costs."
