New primary schools planned for West Lothian
Up to six brand new primary schools could be built in West Lothian over the next seven years.
The plans are part of a massive £144 million investment programme by West Lothian Council in the area's learning estate, to ensure it remains one of the best in Scotland.
West Lothian currently has 67 primary schools and primary-age pupils make up the largest section of West Lothian's school population of approximately 30,000. The funding will help ensure children from all over the area have the best possible facilities for learning at their local primary schools.
Work for two new primary schools is already underway, with the £14.7 million Calderwood Primary in East Calder is expected to open later this year and the £9.4 million Holy Family Primary in Winchburgh welcoming pupils in 2023.
Plan are already being progressed for a £12 million replacement for East Calder Primary, with potential for up to three further new primary schools in areas of proposed developments, such as Winchburgh and Bangour.
Further investment to expand and improve a number of primary schools around West Lothian has also been agreed by the council as part of the capital budget set last month.
Executive councillor for education David Dodds said: "West Lothian children deserve the best possible platform for learning, which is why the council continues to invest heavily in improving our school estate.
"Primary-age pupils makes up the largest group in West Lothian's schools, and it's vital we continue to ensure they have the facilities they need at this vital stage.
"With up to six new primary schools, as well as the number of extension and improvement programmes, will ensure we have excellent schools suitable for local families, as well as the growing numbers who are choosing to relocate to West Lothian."
Extensions are planned over the next seven years to a number of West Lothian primaries to cater for growing demand. These include: £5.5 million for Pumpherston and Uphall Community Primary School; £5.1 million for St Paul's in East Calder; £4 million for St Mary's in Polbeth; £3 million for Southdale in Armadale; £2.2 million for Croftmalloch and Polkemmet primaries in Whitburn; and £670,000 for Livingston Village Primary.
Other major investments in West Lothian primary schools includes: £2 million for access and other improvements to Deans Primary in Livingston; £1.8 million for a new kitchen and other works at Eastertoun Primary in Armadale; and £1.5 million for roof and energy efficiency enhancements at St Joseph's Primary in Whitburn.
A further £4.3 million will be spent on a planned improvement programme for local primaries, with significant investment in schools including: Kirkhill in Broxburn; Our Lady of Lourdes in Blackburn; Parkhead in West Calder; and Riverside, Peel and St John Ogilvie primaries, all Livingston.
