PLANS for a new £2m nursery in Johnstone have been revealed by Renfrewshire Council.
Detailed proposals for the new Spateston Early Learning and Childcare Centre, at the corner of Hallhill Road and Spateston Road, include a covered courtyard.
The new centre, which will cater for 128 children, will replace Spateston Pre-Five Centre - sitting to the north west of the proposed site - which is due to shut after 40 years.
The council's preferred location (marked in red)
The report states: "Outdoor learning is becoming more popular and is seen as essential for early years, allowing pupils to be aware of and engage with their
environment.
READ MORE: Residents see red over loss of Johnstone's green space
"The design offers covered outdoor learning areas as an extension of the learning from inside to out.
"These covered spaces include a sheltered water play area with an external sink, a sheltered sand pit and a sheltered loose play area."
Artist's impression of the play rooms
The designs also show an enchanted forest and external toilets.
Internally, the single-storey building will be built around a core, which learning spaces will flow from.
The new site has proven controversial for some residents in the area, as they feel it is tapping into precious green space.
Plans were originally in place to move the Spateston Pre-Five Centre to a refurbished St Anthony’s Primary School.
READ MORE: Renfrewshire Council forced to apologise after complaints lodged
However, an investigation identified “abnormal ground conditions” and confirmed the site was at risk of flooding.
Council chiefs are hopeful of completing the project by spring 2020.
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