A DESIGN by the firm behind the radical transformation of Glasgow’s Queen Street train station has been approved for a new school and community campus in Neilston.

East Renfrewshire Council has awarded leading architects BDP’s Glasgow studio the contract for the £30million hub, which aims to meet growing demand for school places in the village due to an increase in the number of homes being built.

It is phase one of a long-term strategy for the regeneration of the village and will bring Neilston Primary and St Thomas’ Primary together on one site.

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

The Madras Family Centre, a community library and sports facilities will also be located on the campus, which is to be built on the site of the existing Neilston Primary.

Lindsey Mitchell, architect director at BDP, told the Barrhead News: “It is great to continue our long-standing relationship with East Renfrewshire Council, having recently completed the award-winning Maidenhill Primary School and Nursery [in Newton Mearns].

“This fantastic new campus will offer a great opportunity to create a real community hub for the Neilston village and early feedback from residents has been extremely positive.

“This will be a state-of-the-art education and community facility that will not only provide amenities to meet 21st-century learning but also adopt sustainable design principles.”

Construction is set to begin at the end of this year and should be completed by the summer of 2023.

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

Both existing primaries are expected to be demolished once the new campus 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.

Councillor Paul O’Kane, East Renfrewshire’s education and equalities convener, said: “It’s extremely exciting for Neilston and will give our residents modern, fit-for-purpose facilities in the village and we will continue to work closely with the community as plans progress.”