PROCAST Group has completed a renovation project to transform the former Edward Lawson Centre in Coltness, Wishaw, into the new Woodlands Park High School.
The project valued at more than £3 million, involved a full programme of works including internal refurbishments, insulation, full rewire, windows, flooring, doors, lighting, internal decor, industrial kitchens, bathrooms, zinc cladding, and all external groundworks. The project has brought the building from a low D energy performance rating to a high B.
Working to a 26-week programme, Procast stepped in earlier this year after previous contractors encountered difficulties, taking on the challenge of ‘extremely tight’ deadlines to ensure the school was completed in time for the start of the new academic year. Procast also committed to supporting the contracts of subcontractors and workers who were previously on the project.
Derek Innes, MD of Procast Group, said, “Bringing this project to life was incredibly important to myself and the team. The results have surpassed all expectations, and seeing pupils engage so positively with their new surroundings makes all the hard work worthwhile. Retrofitting and transforming buildings into spaces fit for tomorrow’s world is what we do best, and it’s fantastic to see future generations benefiting from this project.
“The newly refurbished school, formerly Bothwellpark High School, has now officially opened its doors, offering enhanced facilities for around 60 pupils with additional support needs.”
The campus also welcomes pupils from St Aidan’s Primary School’s Language and Communication Support Centre (P4–P7), providing improved capacity and opportunities for integrated learning.
Woodlands Park headteacher Michael McGinley commented, “The opening of the school marks an exciting new chapter for us all. You could see the joy on the faces of our pupils, parents and staff as they entered the building. The new facilities also give us much better access to outdoor spaces, which will make a real difference to how we deliver learning.”
Kerri Thomson, acting headteacher of St Aidan’s Primary, added, “This is such a positive development. The additional capacity and facilities the new campus provides will greatly enhance our pupils’ experiences.”
Councillor Michael McBride said, “It’s a fresh start in a wonderful location. I’m sure the new building and facilities will match our ambition of providing the best possible learning experiences for all our young people.”
