hub South West have announced the appointment of Robertson Construction to build a new £12.5 million primary school in Irvine.

The new school, for North Ayrshire Council (NAC), will support the continued expansion of new housing within this area of the coastal town.

Taking in the catchment areas of Montgomerie Park and Knadgerhill to the east of the bustling community, the new facility will be non-denominational and will run to 12 classes. It will also have early learning and childcare classes, with 32 spaces for three- to five-year-olds and 15 spaces for two-year-olds.

It is funded as part of the £2 billion Learning Estate Investment Programme, which focuses on delivering high quality, sustainable, low carbon and digitally-enabled learning environments that support sustainable and inclusive economic growth. 

Shaun Sands, Project Director for hub South West, said: "We are pleased to be working once again with Robertson Construction, whose experience and expertise will create a truly first-class facility for North Ayrshire Council. 

"The school is due to open in August 2023 and, in line with the Scottish Government’s targets of achieving net zero carbon by 2030, will aim to achieve a yearly figure of 67 kwh per square metre." 

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Andrew McClelland, Head of Service (Education) North Ayrshire Council commented: "Importantly, the new school will ensure that there is sufficient primary and early years capacity to meet future demand in this growing area of Irvine. The new facility will be at the heart of the community which it serves and will be well placed to be at the forefront of promoting health and wellbeing with fantastic outdoor learning space on site and access to the local Country Park, which is on their doorstep.  

"This offers exciting opportunities for the children to experience outdoor adventures beyond those possible within the school grounds. The space and sheltered learning and teaching facilities required to maximise the outdoor experience for children, will be a key priority for this exciting project. This will provide positive outcomes not only for the children and young people who will attend the school, but also for the wider community in the area." 

The building will be designed by JM Architects, one of the UK’s foremost architectural practices, with PassivHaus design contributed by Glasgow-based ECD Architects. 

Mechanical, electrical and plumbing and sustainability work is being delivered by environmental design consultants Atelier Ten and civil and structural work by consulting engineers Blyth & Blyth. 

Stewart Preston, interim Managing Director, Robertson Construction Central West, said: "Our continuing relationship with hub South West will see the delivery of a sustainable new school for Irvine, which will enhance the learning experience of pupils and conserve and save energy during its operations.

"Over the coming months we will be working closely with our appointed design team to ensure that the building meets the needs of Scotland's Learning Estate Investment Programme funding. This high-quality learning environment will introduce exciting outdoor learning spaces; integrate with the local community; create an environment to enhance wellbeing and promote inclusivity which will benefit both attainment and the environment while supporting sustainable and inclusive economic growth."