Moray Council provides update on future Buckie High School project
Moray Council has shared an update on the future Buckie High School project as it continues to work towards an affordable option.
Since the last update in May, the council has worked closely with the hub North Scotland design team to look at new ways of delivering the project. This has included exploring “hybrid” options that would combine refurbishing part of the existing school with new buildings to create a modern and efficient learning environment, importantly at a lower cost.
Detailed condition surveys have been carried out to understand the repairs and upgrades needed across the school to ensure a condition B standard. A commissioned independent review looked at how teaching and non-teaching spaces are currently used and found that the school has more space than needed for current and future pupil numbers and, as a result, could be used more efficiently.
At this stage, a full rebuild or large-scale refurbishment is not possible within the council’s current budget. The council has agreed to continue to carry out further design feasibility work to make sure the project is ready to progress if future Scottish Government funding becomes available.
Moray Council will continue to maintain and repair the existing school building to ensure it remains safe and fit for use. Engagement with pupils, parents, staff and the wider Buckie community will continue to keep them informed of progress.
A further update on the project will be brought to the committee in due course.
Cllr Kathleen Robertson, Chair of the Education, Children’s and Leisure Services Committee, said: “We know how important this project is to the pupils, staff and the Buckie community, and it saddens me that we can’t provide a solution. Our priority is to make sure pupils have a safe and positive learning environment while we continue to do everything we can to be ready for future funding.”