Education chiefs have gone back to the drawing board over plans to relocate Loreburn Primary to Dumfries Academy.
A proposal to fast-track the move has been stymied by a lack of funds and the discovery of potentially dangerous concrete (RAAC) at the academy.
Council officials insist that there are now too many complications in the whole school merger and redevelopment project that would cause a headache.
The biggest issue is the lack of funds after the Scottish Government rejected the council’s bid for schools investment cash – more than a year after the initial application was submitted.
Education committee chairman Richard Brodie said: “It was really disappointing that we didn’t get the funding from the Scottish Government but we have to move on from it.
“There are a number of practical issues to get over before it can be taken forward. It’s a multi-million pound project and we’d have to locate the money for that.
“That doesn’t mean that we’re not taking it seriously because we are. Loreburn Primary School is needing a lot of work done to it so we have to look at the options and what the best way forward is.
“Is there another location we can move to with less problems or is there an option to refurbish the school itself? We’re talking to parents about that because it’s important that we get their views on what happens in the future for the school.”
Another major problem highlighted in a new council education report is the discovery of potentially dangerous reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) within Dumfries Academy.
In September, councillors wanted to explore the possibility of accelerating the relocation of Loreburn Primary into the Minerva building on the academy site because staff, parents and pupils are eager to move. However, council officers have advised against this idea in papers due to be tabled at the education committee next week.
The report reads: “Whilst not directly related to Loreburn Primary School, RAAC panels have been identified within the tower block at Dumfries Academy.
“Short term works are taking place to add additional support to the panels, however the final solution will be to replace in totality.
“The method, and or need to replace, will be guided by the solution for Dumfries Academy.
“On review of the position, officers’ recommendation is that it would not feasible to accelerate the relocation of Loreburn Primary School to the Minerva building on the Dumfries Academy site at this stage.”
Following the disappointment of missing out on the Scottish Government LEIP 3 cash – which councillors and officers were pinning their hopes on – it is now back to the drawing board for education chiefs.
However, they are determined to find a solution within the council’s means that will suit school staff, parents, and pupils.
Officers are requesting time to work on alternative options over the coming months and will ask councillors to approve these being brought forward to another education committee meeting early next year.
The council report explains: “Given the recent announcement on LEIP 3 funding support, and the changes this may bring to the overall project, it would be prudent to take stock and reflect on the current position, together with the historic commitments given.
“As a service and council, this project remains a priority and officers are committed to undertake a thorough review of options as quickly as possible.
“Members are asked to agree that a detailed report on the future options for the delivery of the final element of the Dumfries Learning Town Programme is prepared for members’ consideration at the education and learning committee in March 2024.”
