East Renfrewshire Council announces next stage of Neilston school transformation

RESIDENTS are being asked to help shape plans for a new learning campus in Neilston, which will locate Neilston and St Thomas’ primaries on a joint site.

The proposed plan, from East Renfrewshire Council, would see the build of a new Neilston Primary, St Thomas’ Primary and Madras Family Centre on a site to the rear of the current Neilston Primary and Madras Family Centre.

An interactive web portal showing the initial design concepts will be available online from today (May 12) until May 26. The council said that the designs have been developed in close partnership with learners, staff and parent councils and reflects the views of the Catholic Church.

Councillor Paul O’Kane, convener for education and equalities, said, “I’m delighted to see this project move forward to this first part of the planning process. We are committed to providing the very best facilities for all our young people as we know that quality learning environments can have an extremely positive impact on our young people. So this is incredibly exciting for Neilston, as the work towards providing two new schools and family centre for the village moves closer. I can’t wait to see this project continue progressing towards a full planning application being submitted later this year.”

The local authority said that construction is expected to begin later this year, with the new schools and family centre scheduled to open for August 2023.