Construction work progressing well at high school in West Lothian with problematic aerated concrete
Work on a major construction project at a West Lothian high school is progressing well.
A new wing is currently being built at St Kentigern's Academy in Blackburn following issues with Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC).
The project to re-build a significant proportion of the school is on track for completion in Spring 2026, after over two-thirds of the school had to be demolished due to RAAC.
A recent meeting of Council Executive received an update on the project, with the steel frame, concrete floors, and staircases now in place to mark a significant milestone.
Contractor Heron Bros is undertaking the construction work on behalf of the council and development partner, Hub South East.
Discussions are ongoing with the Scottish Government over support to fund the works at St. Kentigern's.
The school's Pupil Voice group has been actively involved in visiting the construction site for updates and sharing them with the wider school community.
Executive councillor for education Andrew McGuire said: 'It's great to hear how much progress has been made in re-building a significant part of St. Kentigern's Academy in Blackburn.
'St Kentigern's is a large secondary school that provides education to many young people from towns and villages in the west of West Lothian.
'We can now look forward to the new building at St Kentigern's being open in 2026, which will deliver huge benefits for pupils and staff.
'Thanks to everyone at the school and those involved in the project for their hard work to ensure a major construction project can be delivered quickly with minimal impact on education.'
The new building will feature a reception area, spacious canteen and dining area, a four-court games hall, dance studio, fitness suite, and a changing village. Additional facilities will include a performance area, a range of learning spaces, a café and nurture rooms, all designed to enhance the learning environment for the young people who attend the school.
The work has been ongoing while the school is operational, with every effort made to keep disruption to a minimum for a project of its scale. A temporary Learning Village has been put in place to support learning, with some PE lessons and SQA exams the only activities requiring additional space off-site.
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