A new Edinburgh primary school has won a prestigious design award from Glasgow Institute of Architects (GIA).

The new Niddrie Mill and St Francis Primary School in Craigmillar, won in the Education category of the 2008 GIA Annual Design Awards.

Completed in July 2008, the school provides accommodation for 700 pupils and was commissioned by PARC, the joint venture between The City of Edinburgh Council and The EDI Group.

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The new £16m school campus lies at the heart of the Wauchope Square development where eventually 400 homes will be built by PARC.

Conceived as one building, the two schools share an eye-catching, circular playground with views to Arthurs Seat.

The two storey teaching wings are arranged around garden courtyards which act as external teaching spaces.

The school also offers a wide range of classrooms, art and technology facilities, a library, computer suite and assembly hall, outdoor play grounds and all-weather sports pitches.

A removable partition between the two sports halls creates a double sized venue for sports, drama and community uses.

PARC is spearheading the regeneration of Craigmillar, involving a total investment of around £200m and is supported by the Scottish Government.

(GK/JM)