State of the art kitchen cost £200,000
Published 29 Oct 2012 14:00
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THE STATE-of-the-art kitchen installed in Barrhead High School last month has been revealed to have cost more than £200,000.
Two weeks ago the Barrhead News told how the Scottish Government had released funds for the creation of a new £22 million high school building to replace the crumbling existing building.
Disappointment had followed the decision in 2007 to give funding to nearby Eastwood High School after Barrhead's application was unsuccessful.
However, investment in the school picked up with the facade receiving a complete overhaul with security doors and double glazing in 2008 and the recent kitchen installation having being budgeted before the announcement was made on the school's future.
East Renfrewshire Council has confirmed the kitchen will be moved to the new building after it is completed in 2015.
The facilities are up to professional catering standards and shares equipment with top restaurants and hotels across Scotland.
Deputy head Kay Crawford said: "It's fantastic for the school and for the community who can use the facilities in after school hours.
"We have several children and parent clubs who come in to the school to use the facilities, and I think that all of them would be able to say that the new facilities are a great upgrade."
There are 15 stations in the classroom each with a sink, cutting board area and electric hob, while the back of the room feature two large ovens and grills, hot plates, industrial microwaves and a steam unit.
There is also industrial cleaning and drainage facilities.
Councillor Betty Cunningham, who has spearheaded the campaign for a new school for more than a decade, said: "The kitchen is fantastic and it's long overdue. The kids in the school deserve to learn and cook in that kind of first-class environment.
"It's just a glimpse into the future of Barrhead High School and if we can reach the same kind of standard as other schools in the area such as Williamwood and Carlibar, then I will be delighted."
So far no further details on the placement of the school or how it will look have been released, but there is speculation that it could be sited on the grounds of Cowan Park and the current building.
This article appeared in Barrhead News 17 Oct 12
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