Angus Council will consider forming a community campus with swimming pool and leisure facilities as part of a new Forfar Academy project.
The government confirmed on Wednesday that it would provide £16m towards the £24m cost of a new secondary school for Forfar and that it would be one of the next 30 schools built nationwide.
Plans for the new school are still to be developed, but one proposal is for a community campus to be formed at the Taylor Street school that would include replacements for Forfar Swimming Pool and Lochside leisure centre.
This would involve additional costs of around £9m, though there is the potential that sportscotland could contribute up to £2m and the council’s financial plan has provision of £12m for the replacement of leisure facilities in Forfar.
A spokeswoman for Angus Council said a new school would include facilities for community use and that ”further consideration” would be given to a campus approach.
She said: ”The improved leisure facilities provided as part of the new school project for use by the community could include better playing fields and improved gym, games hall and changing facilities.
”The provision of enhanced leisure facilities, as part of a possible community campus approach, which could also encompass accommodation for community learning and development and vocational learning, will be the subject of further consideration by the council.”
Local SNP councillor Glennis Middleton acknowledged concerns in the town that a new pool and leisure facilities at the school would not be as central, but called on residents to take a ”pragmatic” view.
She said: ”The proposals for a pool and leisure facilities as part of the school project have to be given very careful consideration. We are desperate for a new pool in Forfar and a new leisure centre as well.
”I know there are reservations in the town about siting these things at the Academy and I share those reservations. Forfar swimming pool is in the centre of town and Lochside Leisure Centre is within walking distance. No one would consider the Academy to be the centre.
”However, if this is the only game in town, then I think the people of Forfar will be very pragmatic if this is the only way forward.”
Forfar Community Council chairwoman Isobel Ross hoped the public would be allowed to express their views as the plans develop.
She said: ”Forfar Academy opened in 1965 and has outgrown its purpose as time has moved on and educational changes have taken place. Lochside Leisure Centre is in need of repair but there is a limited amount that can be done to the building. We really do need new facilities and a new pool.
”Taylor Street is on the outskirts of the burgh and it would be easier for a lot of people if the leisure facilities were on the centre of town. If there are alternative locations in the centre of town then these should be looked at.
”If they are built, then I hope they are of a high standard and the council doesn’t spoil the ship for a ha’penny’s worth of tar.
”I hope that Forfar residents are given a chance to put their views forward via public meeting and consultations as schools and leisure facilities affect a lot of people.”