Purpose-built learning and childcare centres planned for Angus

Brand-new purpose-built centres are planned in Carnoustie and Forfar to provide early learning and childcare for around 360 Angus children.The centres – which will be delivered via £5.2 million of Scottish Government funding – are the biggest individual construction projects being undertaken as part of Angus Council’s Early Years Expansion Programme and are complemented by development and refurbishment work being undertaken at other primary schools and nurseries in Angus.They will be created as a part of the Scottish Government’s commitment to expand the funded early learning and childcare entitlement for all three and four-year-olds, and eligible two-year-olds, from 600 hours to 1140 hours per year by August 2020.The council’s policy and resources committee will be asked to provide procurement authority (Report no. 184/18) so that the project can be put out to tender to construction firms this summer. It is anticipated that the Carnoustie centre will be completed by late 2019, with the Forfar campus opening by mid-2020.The Carnoustie development will be built at Pitskelly Park and will provide for up to 205 children. A site options appraisal is underway for the location of the Forfar centre, which will accommodate up to 155 children.Sustainability and reducing carbon footprint will play an important part in the buildings’ design.There will be sustainable drainage systems; a green roof system assisting CO2 reduction and creating teaching opportunities; and natural ventilation and lighting systems in the main teaching and play zones to reduce CO2 and energy consumption. Solar panels will be installed and all timber and timber materials will be from sustainable sources.