The offical opening of an £18 million super-school in Prestwick saw parents, carers, clergy and councillors join together to celebrate the impressive new learning space - which has since been shortlisted for a design award.
Prestwick North Education Campus opened its doors to pupils in August last year, with the opening ceremony event last week inviting guests to look round the state-of-the-art facility, which sees Glenburn and St Ninian’s primaries share one campus.
The schools pulled out all the stops before the tours got underway, treating visitors to a musical extravaganza featuring choirs and the Prestwick North Campus P6 Samba Band.
Tours enabled guests to see the grand learning spaces, games hall and the central atrium, which connects the two schools, as well as the new Prestwick North Early Years Centre.
The campus is run purely on electric power, aided by energy-efficient air source heat pumps and solar panels on the roof.
And the outdoor play areas are just as impressive, with an amphitheatre, underground play tunnels, a dedicated garden, active play equipment and an all-weather sports pitch.
Councillor Stephen Ferry, the council’s spokesperson for education, said the campus is set to “transform learning” in Prestwick and beyond.
He said: “Each school continues to have their own identity but benefits from modern, engaging, and inclusive teaching spaces. The central atrium connects the two schools, providing a unique setting where the children can learn, socialise, and dine together.
“The campus benefits from the latest renewable energy technologies. Modern construction techniques and materials have ensured the building is highly insulated, with energy consumption reduced by 61 per cent compared to the old Glenburn and St Ninian’s Primary School buildings.
“We continue to ensure that our children and young people have every opportunity for the best start in life. Over the next decade, we will invest more than one hundred and ten million pounds in our schools and education facilities.”
Cllr Ferry also thanked those who helped with the design and build - hub South West Scotland, Morgan Sindall Construction, and BDP Architects - adding that the campus has been shortlisted for a Scottish Design Award.
In a joint statement, Gaynor Hartley, head teacher of Glenburn Primary, Jacqueline McPeake, head teacher of St Ninian’s and Susan Cole, manager of Prestwick North Early Years Centre, said: “We are truly lucky to have this amazing facility and our pupils tell you how much they love their new campus.
“We have retained our school traditions and values, but there are numerous opportunities for us to work and learn together.
“BDP Architects and Morgan Sindall listened attentively to our views and the opinions of parents and pupils, and we were extremely grateful for this level of consultation.
“We feel privileged to have this fantastic learning environment which will allow all our children to reach their full potential.”
Read next:
- Man who 'sacrificed family home' in doomed business venture to turn former hotel and bar into residential property
- Teenager is in the final of Miss Great Britain
- Popular cafe closes its doors for good
- Six beaches receive national award as Scotland sizzles in warm spell
- Controversial new manufacturing facility nodded through
Don't miss the latest Ayrshire headlines –sign up to our free daily newsletter
