Other Angus schools will not be forced into a ‘make do and mend’ situation by the budget-busting cost of building a new Monifieth High.
That was the firm message from authority depute chief executive Mark Armstrong as councillors signalled the death knell for major projects in other burghs because of the soaring bill for the 1,200-pupil south Angus secondary.
However, the council has admitted axing plans for a possible Arbroath ‘super-school’ and the Reimagining Montrose scheme will not actually save any money.
Schools for the future programme
Both ideas were part of the Angus Schools for the Future 30-year vision.
But what was described by education director Kelly McIntosh as a “significantly changed” financial landscape has led to them being scrubbed.
The cost of Monifieth High has jumped more than £15m from a 2020 estimate.
It means any uncommitted cash has been directed towards the long-awaited community school project.
Amendment rejected
Forfar Conservative councillor Ross Greig failed in a bid to keep the Arbroath and Montrose projects on the table.
SNP education convener Lynne Devine threw out a proposed amendment from Mr Greig.
He said: “While I agree the council is under enormous financial pressure, if this committee was to approve the removal of the Arbroath project and Montrose Reimagined, then realistically how long is the rest of our school estate going to have to make do and mend?”
Mr Armstrong responded: “I would disagree with the comment about make do and mend.
“I think Angus has, across its entire estate, a very high quality learning environment.
“The Arbroath project and Montrose project were in as markers in the capital programme.
“They were below the line, indications of projects which, should it be feasible and affordable, the council would wish to take forward in the future.
“The sums allocated to those projects were nowhere near what was required…and would have required investment from the Scottish Government as we’re getting in relation to the Monifieth project.
“I don’t think there was ever any real, detailed intent unless we would be confident we could fully fund and deliver those projects.
“Clearly for the foreseeable future…that is going to be a challenge.
“Or focus needs to be on the delivery of the programme as it exists and then monitoring it over subsequent years to see what it is realistic to improve on.”
Councillors agreed to drop the Arbroath Secondary Schools and Reimagining Montrose projects from Schools for the Future.
Mr Greig recorded his dissent on that matter.
Opposition leader Derek Wann said: “It’s exploration we’re speaking about.
“I don’t see why we can’t back an amendment because there is no financial cost.”
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