High school rebuild closer to being granted planning application
The new Dumfries secondary school, which is due to start building this spring, is set to cost ÂŁ48m.
Last updated 26th Apr 2023
Proposals for a brand new Dumfries High School are awaiting finalisation from the council's planning department after a formal application was submitted last week.
Dumfries and Galloway Council’s education department are seeking permission for a new build of the secondary school, which would cost around £48m.
The planning papers described the development as: “Erection of secondary education facility with detached plant rooms and amphitheatre, formation of 3G pitch with viewing terrace, science and wellbeing gardens, external dining and seating terraces, attenuation basins, 72 car parking spaces, landscaping and association works (demolition of existing school, David Keswick Athletics Centre and Greystone Foundation Building).”
Cost of construction rising
The bid to secure planning consent comes against a backdrop of financial warnings about rising construction costs.
At last month’s council education committee, councillors heard how the cost of construction materials have gone through the roof.
Steel prices have risen by 60 percent since 2020, while mechanical, electrical and plumbing prices have more than doubled in some cases.
Work on the new school is scheduled to commence in spring 2023, and it has been confirmed that the current building will stay in place until the completion date in 2025.
This means that pupils will be able to look on as their new high school takes shape, and watch each stage of the development project.
Impressive new build could impact learning
Ryder Architecture, which was named architectural practice of the year in 2021, was appointed to lead on the design of the new school.
The company, which has offices from Glasgow and London to Hong Kong and Vancouver, impressed the head teacher and education officials with their proposals to create a stunning new Dumfries High by 2025.
At an education committee last year, several pupils, who are members of Dumfries and Galloway Youth Council, raised concerns about possible disruption to learners when the new building is being constructed.
Larann Foss, the school’s estates manager, replied: “That is something that is a high priority in terms of how we deliver this.
“We need to ensure that the minimum impact is felt from all the pupils at the high school during the construction phase.
“It is a tandem build, so we will not be touching the existing building until the new one is finished.”