Plans For �1 Million Upgrade To Wick High School Unveiled

23rd January 2009

Plans for a �1 million upgrade of Wick High School have been unveiled to staff and parent representatives.

It is hoped that work can start during the summer following a competitive tendering process on a 25-week contract to extend the dining facilities and upgrade and extend the gymnasium changing facilities. It is also proposed to upgrade staff and pupil toilets.

Discussions are to continue with the Parent Council and school management over the future use of the school swimming pool, which has been unused for the past year because of health and safety issues.

A proposal to convert the pool hall and plant area into a dance/drama studio and cardio vascular fitness suite and refurbish the staff base will be the subject of a feasibility study.

In further phases of upgrading, the Council will examine the upgrade of science laboratories and home economics rooms.

Hugh Fraser, Director of Education Culture and Sport, The Highland Council, has written recently to Professor Ian Baikie, Chairman of the Parent Council, to detail the progress being made on the upgrade of the school.

He said: "We fully recognise the benefits that our major investment in Wick will bring to the school community. Our proposals have been well received and I will be happy to engage with the Parent Council, through the head teacher, over the coming months as the project develops."

Councillor Bill Fernie, Chairman of the Education Culture and Sport Committee said: "I am very pleased to see these proposals come forward. They should make a big difference to the life of pupils and staff within the school and present some exciting opportunities for future use of the additional space provided in the dining area."