Parents set to be given their say on new Montgomerie Park plans

Councillors will learn more about plans for a new non-denominational primary school for the Montgomerie Park and Knadgerhill areas.

At a meeting of cabinet this week, they will be asked to move forward to the statutory consultation phase – allowing parents and other stakeholders to formally comment on the plans – which will inform the council’s final decision later this year.

The plans for the new school to be built in Montgomerie Park and open in August 2022 – were broadly agreed in February last year when almost £10 million was set aside in the council’s long-term capital plans.

In recent years, 481 houses have been built – and another 483 set to be developed – in Montgomerie Park and a new school is a priority with the number of pupils there and attending non-denominational schools already at 176.

The catchment area for Annick Primary – which has seen a 50 per cent rise in pupils since 2011 – will also be amended to ease occupancy levels. A full list of these changes is available within the report on the Council’s website.

Irvine Royal Academy will be the associated secondary school for the proposed new primary.

Cllr John Bell, Cabinet Member for Education, said: “A new school has always been part of the masterplan for Montgomerie Park. The money has been set aside and, following early engagement with parents and other stakeholders, there is an appetite for the school.

“We will await the results of the statutory consultation and move forward with our plans thereafter.

“Our school estate is continually growing and the quality of our new schools is absolutely fantastic. We have a track record of delivering brilliant, first-class facilities and we are sure this new primary school will be no different.”

The Statutory Public Consultation will begin on March 25 and details can be found on the council’s website. Written representation on the proposal has to be submitted to Education by May 22.