Two primary schools in North Lanarkshire have merged together in a £17 million construction project.

Dunrobin and Petersburn primaries will be housed in a new 484-place education campus in Airdrie.

Morgan Sindall Construction delivered the project, which involved building a two-storey curved building alongside the former Dunrobin Primary on Petersburn Road. The old structure will now be demolished, with 175 additional car parking spaces and a new 3G sports pitch to be installed in its place.

The new campus features 16 teaching spaces, eight language and communication support bases, and three multi-purpose rooms, along with a separate gym and dining areas. There is also a nursery on site.

The main contractor delivered the £17 million project through the council's Schools and Centres 21 framework.

Morgan Sindall handed over the new campus for North Lanarkshire Council.

Stuart Parker, managing director of Morgan Sindall Construction in Scotland, said: "Across Scotland, public sector leaders are looking to provide first-class teaching spaces to ensure our young people have the best possible start in life. But in an era of continued austerity they're challenged to ensure any investment is incredibly efficient.

-- Advertisement --

"Co-locating neighbouring schools in need of renovation and expansion, into modern campuses can undoubtedly be part of the solution. Delivering this kind of project requires open and early dialogue between every stakeholder involved. Careful consideration of how each former school's identity can form part of the new establishment is all important.

"Involving pupils in the design of the new school uniform was a great touch and we were delighted to play our part in that by providing the ties to mark the project's completion."

Councillor Frank McNally, Convener of Education and Families, added: "The new Hilltop primary is an outstanding environment for pupils to learn and thrive and it will also bring considerable benefits to the entire community.

"The new building is incredible. It is bright and airy with great views and there's a real sense of space. It is a truly wonderful facility fit for 21st Century education.

"It also has the very latest in IT provision, in line with our Digital NL strategy, with fast internet provision and interactive smartboards.

"North Lanarkshire Council is committed to providing all our young people with the best start in life and we are in the process of modernising or replacing all schools, which haven't yet been upgraded.

"Moving forward, we are very excited about the opening of the new St Edward's and Tollbrae primary schools campus and the new Cumbernauld Academy after the summer holidays."

(CM/MH)