Today is a milestone moment for young learners in North Muirton, Perth as a new £16.5 million primary school opens.
The ribbon is being cut at Riverside Primary School.
The new building - Scotland’s first Passivhaus primary school - was built by Robertson Construction Tayside in the grounds of North Muirton Primary School with pupils from North Muirton and Balhousie Primary joining together.
These schools were shut yesterday and Friday to allow staff to move across ahead of today’s big reveal.
Riverside PS has a nursery, primary and an assisted support needs section.
Environmental considerations have loomed large in the planning and build.
The building has been built with a steel frame and has air source heat pumps.
By being 15-20 times more airtight than a traditional build, it has 50 per cent reduced heat energy leakage. For those in the classroom this will mean their new school will be warm in winter and comfortably cool in summer.
The continuing warm weather will put the Passivhaus features to the test, hopefully demonstrating the perfect working environment from day one.
The gym hall, dining room and assembly hall is one bright open space.
Three separate staircases access the upper floor which is flooded with light from rooflights in the wide corridor as well as light streaming in from the classroom windows.
Contractors revealed to curious kids that their new school has 105 windows and glazed doors and 145,000 bricks were needed to make it.
Riverside Primary School had been due to open in April 2023 but the opening was pushed back to this week.
Perth City Centre Councillor Chris Ahern said: “I am delighted to see Riverside Primary School finally completed and open to the pupils of the old Balhousie (Northern District for those that remember) and North Muirton Primary Schools.
“Whilst there is some sadness in losing the two schools, it is brilliant to see them move in to the first Passivhaus school in Scotland, with state-of-the-art learning environments.
“As a local councillor and resident with all my children having attended North Muirton Primary, I am delighted we have this new school at the heart of our community, and I am sure all the staff and pupils will have many happy experiences learning in the best surroundings for many years to come.”
Cllr Caroline Shiers, who served as convenor of lifelong learning when decisions around the new school were taken, wished everyone “many happy and thriving years” in the new school.
She added: “It is fantastic to see the new Riverside Primary School completed and ready to welcome pupils and staff.
“During my time as education convenor we demonstrated our commitment to current and future generations of children in the Balhousie and North Muirton areas of Perth through investment in delivering a state-of-the-art school built to the highest possible environmental standards.
“Of course, the building and learning environment is only part of the equation, and I know that the staff at Riverside are committed to ensuring all the children in the nursery and school are nurtured and taught to the highest possible standards.”
Cllr John Rebbeck, convener of the learning and families committee, said: “I would like to wish all the pupils and staff good luck in their new school.
“I am delighted to see Riverside Primary School opening today.
“Not only will the building enhance the learning opportunities of our young people, but we should all be very proud that this is the first Passivhaus primary built in Scotland, to the highest environmental standards.”
A Perth and Kinross Council spokesperson said: “A huge amount of work has been done over the last two years to bring the schools together smoothly.
“The staff across both schools work very closely as one team and the nurseries have joined together.
“They have supported the children to build friendships and to get to know each other. They have undertaken a wide range of joint learning activities and contributed to establishing their new school with a range of activities such as forming a new pupil council, creating the new school logo and visiting and learning about their Passivhaus building. The whole school community is very excited.”
The school Twitter account is: https://twitter.com/Riverside_Perth
