West Lothian school estate improvements funded by developers
Two new schools and five school extensions in West Lothian are planned using contributions from housing developers that are expected to exceed £60 million.
Council Executive approved plans to progress a planned million extension for Calderwood Primary in East Calder using developer contributions due to be completed in 2024.
They also noted plans to use developer funding to fund two new schools, at Bangour and the Hawkhill area of Winchburgh.
Extensions are also proposed for Winchburgh Primary, St Paul's Primary in East Calder, Pumpherston and Uphall Community Primary and West Calder High School.
Developers looking to build homes in West Lothian are legally obliged to provide a contribution towards schools and other community resources as part of their planning conditions, through a section 75 agreement.
Large-scale housing development is currently taking place at a number of areas in West Lothian including Winchburgh, Calderwood in East Calder and Bangour. To ensure that there are enough school places for the children who will live in these planned homes, developers are required to pay for the new schools and extensions required to accommodate them.
Executive councillor for education Andrew McGuire said: "I'm delighted that these developer-funded contributions will help ensure that West Lothian continues to have one of the best school estates in the country.
"A high-quality learning environment can help improve performance, as we aim to ensure all our children young people achieve their full potential. Attainment has improved in West Lothian every year for the last decade, and the school environment is a factor in this.
"The extension for Calderwood was already planned, but is now required due to rising school roles. The two new schools and further four extensions will be delivered over the next few years to ensure we have school capacity as West Lothian continues to grow."
West Lothian Council has appointed Hub South East to deliver the Calderwood extension, with Morrison Construction as the main contractor. This is the same team who delivered the current school building, and their knowledge and experience will ensure the project is delivered efficiently.
