OVER 50 Edinburgh schools and nurseries are having planned works ranging from repairs to upgrades during the February mid-term break.
It comes as part of The City of Edinburgh Council’s major £193 million maintenance programme. Improvements include classroom upgrades, replacement windows, lighting and ceiling upgrades, electrical work and the cleaning of gutter.
Some of the specific work taking place includes roofing work, toilet refurbishment and replacement windows at Royal High Primary School; a ceiling refurbishment in the dining hall at Leith Primary School; and the installation of a new sports pitch at Wester Hailes Education Centre.
The local authority said that the programme is ‘significantly’ larger than in previous years as a direct result of decisions in previous budgets for additional investment in the council estate.
Councillor Rob Munn, finance and resources convener for the City of Edinburgh Council, commented, “The Council is investing £193m over five years on a major works programme for our buildings across the city and this financial commitment is a clear sign of our determination to ensure the quality, safety and future sustainability of all our buildings not only our schools.
“In addition to the school work taking place this week other major projects in our future plans include spending £1.2m on Central Library improvements along with Edinburgh Leisure venues – this much-needed investment will continue as we bring our buildings up to a good condition.”
Councillor Ian Perry, education convener for the City of Edinburgh Council, added, “Education is a key priority for the Coalition and upgrading and improving our schools is an important strand of work to deliver the best learning environment for our young people especially when they have been out of school for so long during the pandemic.
“We’re making huge strides towards bringing our whole school estate, including our early years settings, up to a good condition with our ongoing maintenance, repair and upgrade programme. This work is on top of the £500m planned investment over the next 10 years for our ambitious new school building programme.”
