Arbroath Academy is to undergo an £850,000 renovation to make it fit for the next generation.
The major programme of works will see the building on Glenisla Drive upgraded and altered to accommodate a new music suite, library and technology hub.
The move is aimed at bringing the school into line with the Scottish Government’s Curriculum for Excellence standards.
Members of Angus Council’s corporate services committee will tomorrow be asked to approve a report recommending funding is taken from a budget allowance in the General Fund Financial Plan 2012/2017.
Loan charges for the work are estimated to be around £47,000 per annum over 25 years and more than £1.3 million in total.
In his report to committee, director of communities Alan McKeown said the loan rate could be “regarded as affordable.”
He added: “The introduction of the Curriculum for Excellence which has been introduced by the Scottish Government has presented school management with significant challenges due to the nature and design of older buildings in the schools estate.
“The new curriculum requires a far more flexible learning and teaching environment than the traditional modular classroom model can provide.
“As part of the Curriculum for Excellence model Education have identified Arbroath Academy as requiring significant building works to fully meet the teaching challenges raised.
“The alterations will allow for larger teaching spaces to be made available to the school.
“This will increase flexibility of use and provide spaces for collaborative learning as well as for the more traditional learning model.”
The neighbourhood services convener, Arbroath councillor Donald Morrison, said: “This investment is extremely welcome and comes on the back of council agreement to invest in the burgh’s primary school estate with the first of the new builds at Timmergreens and Warddykes.
“As well as improving the academy, while the works are being carried out hopefully the local businesses in the area will also see an economic boost.”
The project will see internal alterations made to allow for the relocation of various departments and the creation of “flexible teaching spaces.”
The B block will be rewired and the Brunton Block demolished. Angus Council has complete control of the design and procurement which should ensure minimal, if any, delays.
A list of contractors has been invited to offer competing designs this month. A letter of acceptance will be issued to the lowest acceptable tenderer in February.
Work could begin as early as March and is expected to take up to 22 weeks.
Internal alteration works will cost £620,000 with a further £50,000 for loose furniture and equipment and £70,000 for demolition of the Brunton Block.
The overall funding package includes schools and learning capital funding of £670,000, technical and property services capital funding of £110,000, property renewal and repair funding of £20,000 and £50,000 from the local capital fund.
Some £70,000 of the budget, covering the demolition of Brunton Block, is classified as “later years” and will only go ahead if funding can be found.