Councillors in East Lothian have approved investment to deliver new build, expansion and modernising programmes at education facilities across the county as part of its five-year capital budget.
Projects include:
- Resources for the expansion of early years facilities to accommodate the roll-out of 1140 hours in East Lothian
- Expansion and modernisation programmes for Gullane Primary School (£3.6 million), North Berwick High School (£9.9 million) and Ross High School (£10 million)
- Funding for new primary schools at Blindwells (£17.6 million), Old Craighall (£10.1 million) and Letham Mains (£9.3 million)
- £19.6 million programme of extensions at Longniddry, Macmerry, Ormiston, St Gabriels, Whitecraig and Windygoul primary schools.
The council’s revenue budget has allocated resources for ASL provision at Meadowpark school in 2019/20. There will be around a multi-million investment in upgrades to IT provision in schools and around £1.6 million for curriculum upgrades.
Cabinet Spokesperson for Education, Councillor Shamin Akhtar, said: “Today’s budget reflects this council’s commitment to investing in our pupils and school staff despite a challenging economic climate for local government. I am pleased to see a wide range of projects in schools across East Lothian, which will make a difference in our learning communities.
“It’s also important to recognise that our school buildings are an invaluable resource used by a range of local groups and organisations. Investing in our school estate supports this wider use ensuring the benefits are felt across our communities.”
The investment figures in the budget reflect the total five-year capital value of the projects. Developer contributions are sought where appropriate towards development costs.