Construction on St. Josephs College, the first in the multi-phased Dumfries Learning Town project, has officially started following a groundbreaking ceremony last week. 

The event took place on-site at St. Jospeh's College, where the two year construction process will result in the comprehensive fabric repair and restoration of the original Grade B listed historic stone building, which was built in the early 20th Century.

The extensive redevelopment of the College will include the refurbishment of an existing extension, and the demolition and construction of a new wing to provide all facilities under one roof.

External works will include the provision of a new all-weather synthetic sports facility and the reinstatement of a grass pitch. 

When completed, St. Joseph's College will be over 8,000m2 in size; providing world-class teaching facilities to the community of Dumfries in South West Scotland. 

Deputy First Minister John Swinney said; "This new facility will provide a fantastic environment for children to learn in for generations to come. 

The Scottish Government has worked closely with Dumfries and Galloway Council to help improve its school estate and I am pleased we could invest around £16.7 million towards the restoration and refurbishment of St. Joseph's Collge and the wider Dumfries Learning Town project."