Next stage of Neilston schools transformation

Aerial view of the new learning campus in Neilston

As part of the first stage of the planning process, residents will be able to view the scheme developed and provide their comments.

The proposed plan is to build a new Neilston Primary, St Thomas' Primary and Madras Family Centre on a site to the rear of the current Neilston Primary and Madras Family Centre.

As part of the project, further landscaping, outside sports facilities and car parking will also be created.

An interactive web portal showing the initial design concepts will be available online until 26 May, allowing residents to make comments throughout this period. The designs have been developed to date in close partnership including with learners, staff and Parent Councils and reflects the views of the Catholic Church, a process that will continue.

A live presentation event will be held on 19 May at 5pm to allow the project team to outline the vision for the project and residents can submit questions. This event can be accessed at the web portal, www.bdp.com/neilstonlearningcampus

Councillor Paul O’Kane, Convener for Education and Equalities, said: “I’m delighted to see this project move forward to this first part of the planning process. We are committed to providing the very best facilities for all our young people as we know that quality learning environments can have an extremely positive impact on our young people. So this is incredibly exciting for Neilston, as the work towards providing two new schools and family centre for the village moves closer. I can’t wait to see this project continue progressing towards a full planning application being submitted later this year.”

Construction is expected to begin later this year, with the new schools and family centre scheduled to open for August 2023.

The learning campus will retain the unique identities of both schools, with each having its own head teacher and Parent Councils.

A number of additional homes are planned for the area in the coming years, which will lead to a steady but moderate rise in school rolls, which has been taken account of ensuring the educational provision in the area meets the needs of the community for the foreseeable future.