31-07-2015

Arbroath Schools project

Arbroath’s skyline is being transformed by the multi-million pound replacement of two of the town’s schools - Warddykes and Timmergreens.  Children and Learning Convener, Councillor Sheena Welsh was joined by local councillors and council officers at the Warddykes development to catch up on the project’s progress. They were met at the site by representatives from contractors Robertson Construction, along with development and procurement partners Hub East Central Scotland and were shown the steel structure which traces the physical shape of the new school.   The new Warddykes building is set to open for lessons next year. Development is also fast taking shape at Timmergreens with the framework of the school buildings now in place. Councillor Welsh said: “It is marvellous to see both schools emerging from the architect’s initial drawings into the buildings for the community that we have been shown today. “When complete these schools will be a great asset to Arbroath’s children and families and, for generations to come.” Timmergreens Primary school is scheduled for completion in May 2016 with pupils moving in soon after. The new Warddykes facility should be completed in June, with pupils moving in thereafter. Work at the site will end later in the year with the demolition of the old school. This is the first phase of Angus Council’s major investment programme to upgrade Arbroath’s primary schools. The gross costs of £12.6m for the first phase of the Arbroath Schools Project include the replacement of the two primary schools, the provision of temporary accommodation for Timmergreens pupils and improvements to Muirfield Primary School. Gary Bushnell, Chief Executive, Hub East Central Scotland, said: “Work is now progressing well on the sites, which will deliver first class learning facilities for the Arbroath community when they open next year. Our teams will continue to work closely with Angus Council and Robertson Construction to ensure successful completion of the project.” Kevin Dickson, Managing Director at Robertson Construction Tayside, said: “We are very pleased to have been invited to carry the schools project to the next stage and help create modern educational environments for young people in Arbroath.  During the construction programme we will be working closely with Angus Council and the public to ensure the project has a long-lasting positive impact for students and local communities.”