Facilitating the development of an accessible, safe, and fun learning environment for learners with additional support needs
A new school was needed in Waterside to replace the ageing Merkland and Campsie View schools. East Dunbartonshire Council wanted to establish an additional support needs school—planned and designed to meet the social, emotional, learning, and medical needs of learners with additional support needs. Council commissioned us to help engage the school community and, ultimately, secure planning permission for a school that staff, parents, and residents alike desired.
Demonstrating the suitability of the proposed location—allocated as protected open space within a green belt—for the new school posed a challenge. But through a positive working relationship with Council’s Planning Department and extensive community consultation to help shape the proposals, we were able to gain planners and councillors’ support.
The new Woodland View School is a two-story development, with a sensory trail that guides pupils between both floors. New teaching spaces for students of all ages have been thoughtfully designed throughout the building with space for 201 learners. Outdoor teaching areas and play spaces are accessible from each of these classrooms via strategically placed roof gardens and courtyards.
Waterside residents can enjoy a community garden, a replaced and upgraded football pitch, and enhanced children’s play facilities—and the adjacent road junction has been improved for the safety of pupils and the wider community.
At a Glance
- Offices
- Client
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- East Dunbartonshire
- Council’s Major Asset Team
- Partners
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- McLaughlin & Harvey
- Norr Architects
- Architect
- Norr Architects
- Image Credit
- NORR Architects
Stephen Tucker, Urban Design Director
My advice to someone starting in our field—one day you’ll need to show your kids a development or place you’ve been involved with.
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