Work begins on a new eco-friendly primary school in Irvine

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Work on a new eco-friendly £24 million primary school for Irvine has officially begun at Montgomerie Park with North Ayrshire Provost, Anthea Dickson, carrying out the official ground-breaking duties.She was joined by guests from North Ayrshire Council, development partner hub South West, contractor Robertson Construction and a variety of stakeholders who are all looking forward to what promises to be a fantastic new learning environment.The school will be built to rigorous energy efficiency standards and will comprise 12 classrooms, early learning facilities, a gymnasium incorporating flexible performance areas, and dining facilities along with outdoor learning spaces including a 7-a-side all weather pitch.It will accommodate 342 pupils, plus an early learning and childcare facility with 32 places for 3-5 year olds, and 15 places for two-year-olds.The new school will be build with Passivhaus Standard, which provides a high level of comfort for occupants, while using very little energy for heating and cooling.

The school will use 60-80 per cent less energy than a typical school building , resulting in lower carbon emissions, and lower energy bills.Provost Dickson said: “It’s a real honour for me to be here and carrying out the ground-breaking duties.

We already have a portfolio of wonderful schools and this new one here in Irvine will add to the many fantastic facilities.“The fact that it will be our first Passivhaus school makes it extra interesting and exciting and we very much look forward to the school being ready for the young people.”Councillor Tony Gurney, Cabinet Member for Place, said: “We are delighted to be mark to our ground-breaking as we look forward to what promises to be a fantastic learning environment