Issue - meetings

The Committee resolved:-

(i)             to note the preferred option for taking forwards the Victorian Schools programme, as detailed within the Outline Business Case at Appendix A of this report; and

(ii)            to instruct the Chief Officer - Corporate Landlord to incorporate the preferred option and programming and cost implications for the Victorian Schools Programme into the development of the School Estate Plan annual update report, to be presented to this Committee in September 2025.

The Committee had before it a report by the Chief Officer – Corporate Landlord, which presented the completed Outline Business Case for the proposed Victorian Schools Programme, detailed options and estimated costs and timescales for improving the suitability of the city’s Victorian school buildings.

The report recommended:-

that the Committee -

(a)           note the preferred option for taking forwards the Victorian Schools programme, as detailed within the Outline Business Case at Appendix A of this report; and

(b)           instruct the Chief Officer - Corporate Landlord to incorporate the preferred option and programming and cost implications for the Victorian Schools Programme into the development of the School Estate Plan annual update report, to be presented to this Committee in September 2025.

The Convener moved, seconded by the Vice Convener:-

          That the Committee approve the recommendations in the report.

Councillor Blake seconded by Councillor Malik, moved as an amendment:-

          That the Committee –

1.    Reaffirm the commitment to ensuring that the whole school estate, including Aberdeen's Victorian Schools, benefits from strategic investment and improved educational facilities;

2.    Note that capacity issues had been prioritised in the methodology. Agree Hanover Street primary which according to the school roll forecast had the most significant capacity issues of the Victorian schools currently and by 2030 should be in scope;

3.    Agrees that any decision to approve a preferred option without understanding its effect on the School Estate plan could have significant financial and practical implications for other vital projects contained within the plan; and

4.    Agree not to approve a preferred option until such time as officers can set out clearly any potential implications and instructs officers to report to the September committee meeting to ensure that members have all of the information required to make a fully informed decision. 

On a division, there voted – for the motion (11) – the Convener, the Vice Convener, Councillor David Cameron, the Lord Provost and Councillors Allard, Hazel Cameron, Fairfull, MacGregor and Radley, Mr Murray, Mr Regmi and Mrs Smith – for the amendment (7) – Councillors Blake, Brooks, Malik, McLeod and Mrs Stewart and Ms Barclay and Dr Murray – declined to vote (2) – Mr Haywood and Ms Munro.

The Committee resolved:-

to adopt the motion and therefore approve the recommendations.