New guidance has been launched to help local authorities improve their school estate by refurbishing existing buildings.

Published by Architecture and Design Scotland, the guidance highlights the benefits of school refurbishments and how local authorities can achieve high quality results and innovative designs in the most cost effective way.

The new guidance complements the Scottish Government’s £1.8 billion Scotland’s Schools for the Future programme and the Inspiring Learning Spaces Fund, all of which aims to ensure Scotland becomes a world leader in education.

Minister for Learning Alasdair Allan launched the guidance at Dunoon Primary School which is due to be fully refurbished under the Schools for the Future programme.

Dr Allan said: “We want to deliver a world class education for every child in Scotland and the space in which they learn has a key role to play. This government has a strong record in improving school buildings having rebuilt or refurbished a fifth of Scotland’s school estate since 2007.

“In addition to the schools being rebuilt and refurbished through the Schools for the Future programme, local authorities are also working hard to improve their school estate. This new guide will help them improve their existing buildings and create innovative and modern spaces for pupils and staff. It will also allow local authorities to upgrade old buildings while protecting their listed status when necessary.”

Jim MacDonald, chief executive, Architecture and Design Scotland, said: “We are delighted to have been asked to produce this guidance to support people aspiring to create dynamic learning communities in existing school buildings. Refurbishment compliments new build investment by making more of what we already have and can also strengthen the sense of place that a school brings to a community.

“Besides attracting learners of all ages, these buildings can remain a sustainable asset for the communities they serve – a vital aspect of making truly sustainable places. As Scotland’s champion for good design in the built environment, we also believe the learning showcased here is relevant to other sectors beyond the school gate.”

Remade Learning Spaces: Why Refurbish? can be found here