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Boclair Academy – Planning Permission

Taking first steps in transforming an ageing secondary school into a purpose-built, flexible learning space

  • £40M+

    Construction Value

  • 1,050

    Pupils

  • Bearsden, Scotland, United Kingdom

    Bearsden, Scotland, United Kingdom

A modern educational facility built into the landscape, prioritising pupils' learning experience at every stage

Bearsden's Boclair Academy was originally constructed in 1976, and by 2020, was no longer fit for use. East Dunbartonshire Council wanted a purpose-built secondary school which would provide the proper environment for modern teaching—high-quality classrooms and sports spaces for the benefit of pupils, staff, and the wider community alike.

We were appointed to help overcome the significant challenges the project would face in achieving planning permission. The school needed to remain open throughout construction, and the work and design would have to be considerate of both residential neighbours and the local landscape.

A comprehensive process of stakeholder engagement, meeting, listening, and learning from the local community was core to the success of the application—as was our constructive working relationship with East Dunbartonshire Council’s planning department. A member of our team is a former pupil of the Academy and was personally invested in seeing it delivered for students, staff, and the community.

The new school offers modern, flexible learning space for 1,050 pupils, new staff facilities, and a sports hall and gym—all within a sympathetically designed building incorporated into its landscape.

At a Glance

Offices
Client
  • East Dunbartonshire Council
Partners
  • McLaughlin & Harvey
  • Ryder
Architect
Ryder
Meet Our Team

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.

Stephen Tucker

Urban Design Director

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