A £16.5 million contract to develop a new primary school in Maryhill has been awarded to a Glasgow construction company.

Glasgow City Council has instructed City Buildings Contracts LLP to deliver the project, which has an overall budget of more than £20 million, on their behalf.

The new school which will be situated at Queen Margaret Drive, Maryhill Road and Kelvinside Avenue and will accommodate more than 400 pupils.

The building is expected to be completed within 90 weeks and open in August 2021.

The development was discussed at the contracts and property committee on Thursday afternoon.

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SNP councillor John Letford thanked officers for bring a report to committee and pointed out that some work on the site had already started.

He said: “I overlook the site so everyday there is a significant change happening. Obviously the school itself is going to contribute greatly to the regeneration of Maryhill.

“I also note that the school is going to take more than 400 pupils and all of the catchment for the new school sits within the Maryhill ward but the building itself sits just on the boundary.

“This means there will be significant transport savings for the council from this as well. Are there any opportunities for further cost reductions?

“The report also states that the duration of the build will take 90 weeks with a completion and entry date for August 2021 but it also mentions there have been discussions when it comes to reducing the construction period. I would like some more information on that.”

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A council officer informed Mr Letford that the local authority could make savings when it came to construction and that they would look at alternative methods which would allow them to do so.

Councillor Letford also asked about the name of the school.

He said: “The new build project is described as North Kelvinside/Maryhill. Given the catchment and the fact it sits right on Maryhill Road, it maybe as well to refer to it as such.”

A spokesman said: “In due course a consultation will take place to name the school officially.

“I think if you called it one or the other somebody would get upset.”