CONSTRUCTION of an ambitious £30million school campus in Neilston is to begin by the end of this year.

The Scottish Government confirmed funding for the project last week, with hopes that it will be completed by the summer of 2023.

The campus will join both Neilston Primary and St Thomas’ Primary on one site.

Both schools will, however, have separate headteachers and parent-teacher councils.

The Madras Family Centre, which provides nursery places and child daycare in Neilston, is relocating to the new campus, which will also have it’s own library.

Councillor Paul O’Kane, East Renfrewshire’s education and equalities convener, said: “This investment is fantastic news for the pupils, parents and residents of Neilston and beyond.

“It’s extremely exciting for Neilston and will give our residents modern, fit-for-purpose facilities in the village.

“We will continue to work closely with the community as these plans progress."

The joint campus will be similar to one opened in Newton Mearns in 2017 which houses St Clare’s Primary and Calderwood Lodge Primary.

East Renfrewshire Council has already carried out an in principle consultation with the Neilston community and the Catholic Church over the latest project, which was first announced last March.

The campus is being built to meet growing demand for school places in the village due to an increase in the number of homes being built.

Both existing primaries are expected to be demolished once the campus project is ready for entry.

Plans are also in place to build a new swimming pool on the current St Thomas’ Primary site in Broadlie Road.

A council spokesperson said: “We have undertaken much development work to ensure the campus meets local needs for learning and wellbeing, now and in the future.

“Construction is expected to begin later this year, with completion scheduled for summer 2023.”

The Neilston campus is part of a £33billion Scottish Government funding programme for healthcare, education, transport and the environment over the next five years.