Plans lodged for eight modular classrooms at Thurso High School
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
A planning application for eight modular classrooms at Thurso High School has been lodged by Highland Council.
The proposal, which is estimated to cost around £2 million, would provide classroom accommodation for pupils who were displaced following the closure of the school’s ageing A block.
The council decided to close classroom block A last October when they found serious structural defects in the concrete frame on the three-storey building.
A report accompanying the application says 10 options were considered for the arrangement of the four pairs of modular classrooms. Accessibility, natural light, orientation, and impact on the sports fields were factors which were looked at.
"The teaching staff have been involved in the development of the options and have provided useful input," states the document, which points out that a line of three modules would run parallel to the gym hall. "A fourth module is located at the north end of this arrangement and is aligned with the gable of the gym hall to maintain an access route between the existing buildings."
The report points out that the "fabrication of the modules will be uniform and will include a light grey cladding with dark grey trim.
"New paths will be formed in concrete paving. New access ramps will be formed with metal handrails and protective balustrades as required."
The document adds: "An accessible route will be provided to each classroom. Each module will include a pair of classrooms arranged around a shared core which will include a disabled toilet."
However, it stresses that "the exact arrangement is to be confirmed".
Each classroom would have two doors providing two separate escape routes.
If the application is approved, it is expected that the new modular classrooms would be ready by October.
As previously reported, Caithness councillors welcomed the investment in the alternative accommodation but said a longer-term solution is needed.
Thurso High, which has around 700 pupils, was officially opened in October 1958. It serves Thurso and the surrounding rural areas, including Castletown, Halkirk and Reay.
Block "A" was constructed in the 1960s as an extension to the school. The decision to close it was made on the recommendation of specialist structural engineers.
