The construction of an £8.5 million Perth school project is “on time and on budget”, the local councillor has revealed.
Councillor Willie Wilson said he is delighted with the latest feedback on Oakbank Primary and is looking forward to visiting the site in the near future along with other councillors.
“It is great to see the work on the replacement school progressing so quickly,” he said.
“The council has advised that the building programme is on time and on budget.
“It is anticipated that the building programme will be completed by the summer of 2015 and that the pupils and staff will move in then.”
Work began on the build in April and pupils were able to continue to take lessons in their current classrooms while the construction is under way on-site at Viewlands Road West, between Perth High School and Perth Academy.
In due course, the old school will make way for impressive new sporting facilities.
The decision to replace the school was taken following an extensive review of the 1960s building, which ruled out refurbishment.
Oakbank is one of the so-called Clasp schools built in the 1960s prefabricated school buildings that were cheaply constructed out of light steel frames.
The construction method appeared hugely successful and also became used for office buildings but the design later proved problematic and flawed.
Its structure was said to have deteriorated so much that replacement was the only sensible option and so state-of-the-art new facilities are now being created. The new 4,000 square metre-school will be built on two levels and will boast a contemporary, flat-roofed design, together with an integrated nursery, a roof terrace, a learning resource centre, a general-purpose room and break-out areas.
Joining Mr Wilson on the forthcoming site visit will be councillors Alexander Stewart, Bob Band and Alistair Munro.
Mr Stewart was enthusiastic about the project, saying: “The pupils and staff are looking forward a great deal to moving into the new building and there is an air of excitement in the school, as many of the youngsters have been using the building project as a way of learning about construction and building techniques.”
The convener of lifelong learning, Bob Band, said the completion of the project is highly anticipated. “The reconstruction of the school is of vital importance, to ensure we provide 21st Century educational facilities for our young people,” he said.
Alistair Munro added: “I am looking forward a great deal to visiting this exciting project again and it is great to see the building work getting on so rapidly.”