Renfrewshire Council has confirmed that plans for a new Thorn Primary School in Johnstone, Scotland, are still on track, despite financial pressures caused by the Dargavel scandal. The council has allocated funds for the rebuilding project but is also seeking £10 million in match-funding from the Scottish Government to cover the costs.
Labour councillors in the Johnstone ward expressed concerns that the £70 million required to address school capacity issues at Dargavel would impact existing proposals for new builds and refurbishments across the school estate. Councillors Gillian Graham and Chris Gilmour have requested that the council outline the timeline for the Thorn build, the school’s capacity, and its facilities.
Councillor Graham voiced doubts about the council’s ability to complete the construction within the next four years. She noted that the mishandling of education provision for Dargavel would result in the council resorting to prudential borrowing, potentially costing up to £160 million over the next four decades. She urged the council to secure long-term investment in the school estate, stressing the potential negative impact on other schools nearing the end of their working life, including Johnstone High School.
The SNP administration had promised to build a new campus for Thorn Primary if re-elected. However, due to the need to construct modular classrooms within the playground of Dargavel Primary School at a cost of £2 million, as well as the requirement to build a second primary school and address capacity issues at Park Mains High in Erskine, the council faces a £70 million bill.
Councillor Gilmour supported Councillor Graham’s concerns, highlighting the administration’s electoral promise to deliver a new Thorn Primary School. He called for the council to publish its plans for the project, including the timeline, school capacity, and facilities. Gilmour emphasized that the teachers, parents, and pupils of Thorn Primary are eagerly awaiting a new school.
The Renfrewshire Council spokesperson reaffirmed the council’s commitment to delivering a new Thorn Primary School. The council has allocated £10 million towards a match-funded bid to the Scottish Government’s learning estate investment program, with the outcome still pending. The council continues to invest in school and nursery improvements and is conducting a strategic review of its school estate, the details of which will be presented to the education and children’s services policy board in due course.
In conclusion, despite financial pressures caused by the Dargavel scandal, the plans for a new Thorn Primary School in Johnstone remain on track. The Renfrewshire Council has set aside funds for the project and is seeking additional match-funding from the Scottish Government. While some concerns have been raised about the potential impact on existing proposals, the council reassured that it is committed to delivering the new school and continues to invest in school and nursery improvements. The council also emphasized its ongoing strategic review of the school estate to secure long-term investment.
