The first images for the new Boroughmuir High School at Fountainbridge have been unveiled today.
Plans for the canal-side site have been drawn up by Allan Murray Architects, and show the new building designed to house up to 1,165 pupils currently at the school’s Viewforth site – less than 500m away.
The school site is marked by the Union Canal to the south, Dundee Street to the north, and Viewforth to the east. The student residencies being built off Gibson Terrace for Napier University mark the western edge of the site.
The plans incorporate:
- teaching areas arranged around a multi-functional ‘heart’, or atrium
- traditional classrooms offering easy access to collaborative break out areas
- enhanced facilities for physical activity and external learning, including a unique roof-top multi-use external games area
- a new public park, along the canal’s north bank, next to the new school building. This will create a vibrant public space next to the waterway and towpath.
Subject to consultation and planning and budget consent, work is expected to start on the new school in summer 2014, with completion scheduled for summer 2016.
Education Convener Councillor Paul Godzik said: “Pupils, parents and teachers have been waiting a long time for a new school, so I’m delighted that we are able to show them plans that bring a vision for the new school to life. I very much look forward to hearing their views.
“Boroughmuir has a first-class academic track record, and the focus is now firmly on delivering a new school that provides an equally impressive learning environment.”
David Dempster, Head Teacher, Boroughmuir High School said:- “I have been lucky enough to get a preview of the building and now have a real feel for what lies in store in 2016. The ‘new’ Boroughmuir High School looks to be shaping up to all we dreamed of – and more!
“Outline designs show a school which is innovative, inspiring and definitely fitting to be our new school. The building nestles in a beautiful setting, adjacent to the canal-side park with a definite and impressive entrance plaza to welcome visitors.”
Architect Allan Murray said: “This design for Boroughmuir High School retains some of the best aspects of the current school, and seeks to create a welcoming environment with dramatic and inspirational spaces for learning both inside and outside the building.”
To find out more about the new plans for Boroughmuir High, and to have your say, visit the project website.
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