Minor school works are hit by pandemic

Infection control takes priority but building going well

The COVID-19 pandemic has delayed non-essential works on Perth and Kinross schools.

Measures to minimise the spread of infection have taken priority.

Councillors were given an update at Monday’s (April 19) meeting of Perth and Kinross Council’s property sub-committee.

Head of business and resources Greg Boland said: “A lot of our key resources internally within property services have had to be dedicated to recovery property within our schools, for example work with ventilation within our schools to ensure they meet the Scottish Government guidance.

“A lot of non-essential works across the school estate have had to be postponed as we prioritise what we do and try and minimise any risk to the pupils and staff within our schools.”

But building work in local nurseries as part of the early learning and childcare expansion plan was said to be going well.

Mr Boland said: “I’m pleased to confirm our early learning and childcare expansion plan has gone as well as anywhere in Scotland.”

At the end of 2020 work was completed on the £1.1 million nursery at Oakbank Primary School and the £1.9 million nursery at Inchture Primary School.

The £6.2 million extension at Longforgan Primary School was completed in January 2020 and opened on February 2.

Mr Boland thanked Errol Primary School for accommodating Longforgan PS pupils while building working was done on the nearby Carse of Gowrie school.

The £4.3 million Rattray Primary School nursery refurbishment is due to be operational in May 2022 with construction works complete in August 2022.

Meanwhile, renovation work on Perth Academy brought challenges as it was being done in a “live environment” with staff and pupils present.

Mr Boland said: “Fire compliance works have now been completed, pupil toilet refurbishment and drainage works have been carried out.

“We have also installed new CCTV and corridor lighting within the school. We’ve undertaken some structural repairs within the school, improved the courtyard access, additional ventilation within the craft, design and technology (department) and major infrastructure works within the physical education building.

“The next phase we are trying to work to improve is social space and undertake classroom refurbishments and also carry on with infrastructure works within the PE building.

“This project will be live for a long period working through the challenges of a live environment.”

Perth City South Lib Dem councillor Willie Wilson asked for timelines for phase two.

He was told the first phase would involve fully upgrading 10 classrooms with audio visual technology.

A council officer said by October they should have the second phase of works planned out and know when it is happening.

The officer said they would identify the next set of classrooms for this phase over the summer period and start working on their design and developing a programme for them.

A larger feasibility study will be carried out on Perth Academy’s science block which was described as a “far greater piece of work and quite an in-depth piece of work” to look at how the council modernises that building.

At Perth Grammar School, works have been carried out to improve the school’s entrance, reception and administration facilities.

Mr Boland said phase one of the toilet upgrades was being completed with phase two due to start any day now.

Rising steel costs - caused by Brexit - could also increase building costs across the school estate.

Mr Boland said: “In relation to Brexit we are starting to see an increase in steel prices going forward which will also be another consideration as part of taking the school estates projects forward.”

I’m pleased to confirm our early learning and childcare expansion plan has gone as well as anywhere in Scotland Greg Boland