Proposals to build a new £6.3m primary school in Carnwath, South Lanarkshire, have been approved by the Council.

It is understood the school will also incorporate a new nursery and multi-use games area pitch.

Morgan Sindall is the appointed contractor for the ambitious project which will be a "tandem build", i.e. the pupils will remain in the old school until the new premises is complete. Following the transition, the original school will be demolished in order to make way for the new sports pitch.

Plans for the new facility include a single-storey building with seven classrooms, gym hall/dining hall/stage and an administration wing. There will also be a fully integrated nursery with secure entrance, new car parking and a drop-off area, plus the multi-use pitch.


Work on the new build is expected to commence in April or May of this year, with completion scheduled for summer 2015.

Councillor Hugh Dunsmuir, Chair of South Lanarkshire's Planning Committee, said: "These plans show that the delivery of new and modern primary schools across our communities continues to be one of the council's key objectives.

"In spite of the financial pressures we have faced, and indeed continue to face, we have fought hard to keep the new schools programme on track.

"What better pay off for that commitment could there be than the prospect of hundreds more children learning and playing in schools that are modern, vibrant and fit for purpose in every way."

The project is the latest in South Lanarkshire's £812m Primary Schools Modernisation Programme.

(JP)