The East Linton community are being asked for their views on early proposals for a replacement primary school in the village in a four-week consultation process
East Linton Primary School sits in the heart of village. The existing building is over 140 years old and has been extended several times over the years. Condition surveys show that it is requires significant upgrade and further expansion to provide a high-quality space for learning and accommodate a growing school population. This was highlighted in the council’s Learning Estate Review pre-consultation.
At a Council meeting on 14 December a decision was made to progress proposals for a new replacement school on the existing site and neighbouring land which is owned by the council and held for Education and community use. This process is at an early stage; further feasibility and technical works are needed. A commitment was made to sharing early proposals with the community and to gathering their views on:
- priorities to help create a new primary school that is fit for modern learning
- views on potential layouts that have been designed
- perspectives on the open green space and built facilities at War Memorial Park
- thoughts on options for community facilities and wider benefits.
Ongoing engagement
To gather feedback, a website has been created with full information on the proposals including three early stage layouts. This has been divided into four sections: the school, the site, green space and community facilities. This recognises the inherent value in each of these spaces and also allows people with different interests to identify and comment on the areas they are most engaged in. Consultation will take place from 1-28 February 2022 and the council will hold further engagement with the community as the process moves forward.
Information will be shared online through the website, directly with groups including East Linton Primary School Parent Council and Dunpender Community Council, in school for learners, and at a drop-in session at The Mart Farmers Market on Saturday 12 February (9.30am-1pm).
Cabinet member for Education and Children’s Services Councillor Fiona Dugdale said: “The proposals to develop a replacement East Linton primary school are at an early stage and we are sharing them so that we can gather a wide range of views. This feedback will help us to shape the way forward to create a school fit for modern learning that also benefits the community.
“I would encourage everyone in the East Linton community to get involved in this consultation process before it closes.”