Lanarkshire’s newest school has been officially named after councillors unanimously approved the choice of pupils, families and staff.
Riverbank Primary is being created through the merger of Carnbroe and Sikeside primaries and will open at its site beside the North Calder Water in Coatbridge in 2023.
The name choice was confirmed at Thursday’s meeting of North Lanarkshire Council, with members hearing that it had earned 51 per cent of the votes in a poll among the school community.
Newly-appointed education convener Kirsten Larson, who represents the neighbouring Coatbridge North ward, said: “Riverbank Primary is a lovely name for the newly amalgamated primary school.
“I’d like to thank and congratulate the parent council and everyone involved with the processes of naming the new school, which will open next year and bring so many benefits to pupils as well as the wider community.”
Building work got underway in January on the £25 million, two-storey building at the former Calder community centre site on Paddock Road, which will accommodate nearly 600 nursery and primary pupils.
The distinctive building will have a “wedge-shaped” interior housing flexible activity and e-learning spaces, while the project incorporates community facilities and an 11-a-side all-weather sports pitch.
Pupils will benefit from a slide set into the sloping playground and landscaping including a woodland walk in grounds designed for outdoor learning and made to “provide a country-like park feel”.
Its proposed opening date next summer comes nearly a decade after the two schools’ merger was first announced and approved by North Lanarkshire Council; and pupils will now be involved in working together to determine their new uniform.
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