In March 2014, Dumfries and Galloway Council agreed its 10 year capital investment strategy, which identified the Dumfries Learning Town Project as a priority for the Council. This secured funding to deliver Phase1 of the project.
Dumfries Learning Town aims to deliver a whole town approach to education, making best use of all resources to deliver the best and most effective learning opportunities to improve life chances for all young people.
On Thursday [29 June 2017], the Council’s Children, Young People and Lifelong Learning [CYPLL] committee received a report and presentation outlining progress on Phase 1 of the Dumfries Learning Town.
Phase 1 includes the construction of a temporary decant school and the complete refurbishment of the current St Joseph’s College.
A new North West Campus is being built, incorporating Lochside Primary School and Nursery, St Ninian’s Primary School and Nursery, Maxwelltown High School, and other community facilities on one site in North West Dumfries.
In addition, a new, innovative learning facility, The Bridge, which will deliver lifelong learning needs in Dumfries for learners across the region, is being constructed centrally at the King George V site. It will be a unique facility, providing learning opportunities beyond those found in traditional education settings such as schools, colleges and universities. It will offer learners of all abilities and aspirations opportunities to pursue career pathways [curricular] and personal interests [extra-curricular].
Councillor Jeff Leaver, Chair of the CYPLL committee, said: “Building the local economy and providing the best possible start in life for all our children are priorities for our Council. Dumfries Learning Town is vital to the future of our children. It will deliver first class facilities appropriate for the 21st century and transform education in Dumfries.
“Phase 1 represents a £72 million capital investment in education in our region. Excellent progress is being made with the opening of the refurbished St Joseph’s College being scheduled for February 2018, the opening of the North West Campus in summer 2018, and The Bridge scheduled for September 2018.
“Phase 2, involves the refurbishment of Dumfries Academy with Loreburn Primary School, a new build 2 to 18 campus, incorporating Dumfries High School and Noblehill Primary School, and a new build Laurieknowe Primary School . Good progress is being made with the design and consultation of this phase so that the Council is in the best possible place to make a bid for additional government funding when this is announced, hopefully later this year.”
For full report see agenda item 7:
http://egenda.dumgal.gov.uk/
