Thursday 10 October 2024
 6.4°C   N Fresh Breeze
Ocean Kinetics - The Engineering Experts

Education / End nears for ‘temporary’ classroom huts built in the 1970s

Dunrossness Primary School. The huts which are in line to be demolished are located at the bottom of this photo. Photo: SIC

“TEMPORARY” classrooms at Dunrossness Primary School which were built in the late 1970s are in line to be demolished.

Elected members gave their final approval to the demolition project at a meeting of the full council on Wednesday.

The project includes demolishing the block of four temporary classrooms, toilets and a link corridor, as well as making good the site and refurbishing and repurposing parts of the remaining school building.

In total the work could cost £150,000.

A report to councillors said the temporary classroom substructure, constructed using concrete block, is failing with a risk that parts of the building could collapse if the condition deteriorates further.

“The problem came to light when a contractor was on site to erect new fencing and uncovered holes and erosion in said blockwork,” it added.

The report said lower primary classes and an ASN classroom housed in the huts have successfully been decanted to the main school.

It also said that with an increasing number of ASN pupils in Shetland, the project marks an opportunity improve provision within the school.

“There used to be a swimming pool in Dunrossness Primary School which was filled in thus leaving a large space which until recently, has been underutilised,” the report said.

“With some alteration, this space can be made into a flexible, versatile space fulfilling the needs not only of the current cohort of pupils but also of those in years to come.”

The school has a capacity of 210 and the roll in 2023 was 40 per cent – or 85 bairns. The roll is forecast to increase slightly in the coming years.

Council officials said the project would decrease the school’s footprint, making it easier to maintain and heat, while improving facilities.

Learning estate manager Shona Thompson told Wednesday’s meeting that as it stands Dunrossness is not fully accessible, with the building on various levels.

Become a member of Shetland News

 

She said that although improvements are being planned, it will still not be fully accessible once the work is done.

However, councillors were told that Sandwick would be used as a hub for pupils in the South Mainland with particular mobility needs.

Thompson added that the headteacher, who has been liaising with parents, pupils and staff, is pleased with the plans drawn up.

Education and families committee chairman Davie Sandison said his one plea was that the project is not “pushed into the long grass”.

“There’s a need for this to be done to make the school fit for purpose now,” he added.

A report to councillors highlighted that the £150,000 cost cannot be met from within the existing approved capital or revenue budgets for 2024/25, and will “therefore require to await prioritisation in future years’ budgets”.

Become a member of Shetland News

Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider paying for membership to get additional features and services: -

  • Remove non-local ads;
  • Bookmark posts to read later;
  • Exclusive curated weekly newsletter;
  • Hide membership messages;
  • Comments open for discussion.

If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a member of Shetland News by either making a single payment, or setting up a monthly, quarterly or yearly subscription.

 
Advertisement 

Newsletters

Subscribe to a selection of different newsletters from Shetland News, varying from breaking news delivered on the minute, to a weekly round-up of the opinion posts. All delivered straight to your inbox.

Daily Briefing Newsletter Weekly Highlights Newsletter Opinion Newsletter Life in Shetland Newsletter

JavaScript Required

We're sorry, but Shetland News isn't fully functional without JavaScript enabled.
Head over to the help page for instructions on how to enable JavaScript on your browser.

Your Privacy

We use cookies on our site to improve your experience.
By using our service, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy.

Browser is out-of-date

Shetland News isn't fully functional with this version of .
Head over to the help page for instructions on updating your browser for more security, improved speed and the best overall experience on this site.

Interested in Notifications?

Get notifications from Shetland News for important and breaking news.
You can unsubscribe at any time.

Have you considered becoming a member of Shetland News?

If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please consider paying for membership and get the following features and services: -

  • Remove non-local ads;
  • Bookmark posts to read later;
  • Exclusive curated weekly newsletter;
  • Hide membership messages;
  • Comments open for discussion.