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
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- East Dunbartonshire Council
- Partners
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- McLaughlin & Harvey
- Ryder
- Architect
- Ryder
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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