The building, on the site of the existing high school, would form the Dalbeattie Learning Campus to contain the town’s secondary, primary and nursery school.

It would also boast sports facilities including a six-lane running track, a rugby pitch and a 3G pitch for football and hockey.

The hub South West Scotland project is to be considered by Dumfries and Galloway Council’s planning committee next week.

Councillors will be told that the plans are for each school to be housed in a separate wing of the building, which will be in the shape of a Saltire.

Its sports facilities, including a netball court and tennis court, and its main halls would be made available for community use.

Designed by architects Holmes Miller, the plans also include gardens and horticultural areas with polytunnels, a rural skills area and a science garden.

There would also be a biodiversity pond, woodland, a wildflower meadow and an orchard.

A total of 112 car parking spaces would be available.

If approved, construction work by Graham Construction is anticipated to get underway during spring 2015 for completion by autumn 2016.