The new state-of-the-art community hub in Newmains was declared ‘officially open’ at a special event.
The hub, which opened its doors to pupils in February this year, saw pupils, parents, carers, staff and local politicians gather to celebrate the occasion on Tuesday 19 September.
Pupils from the joint schools’ choir entertained the audience with wonderful singing. And two pupils, Emily and Robyn, spoke about their positive experiences of moving to the new building.
Both pupils expressed their delight at the new building and how much they are enjoying the range of features it boasts, including the indoor slide.
Provost Kenneth Duffy declared the new community hub officially open by unveiling a plaque along with help from Emily and Robyn.
He said: “The new hub really is an outstanding facility, and it will bring joy to generations of young learners.
“It already has a special place in the hearts of so many people in the community and means a great deal to so many.
“The future looks incredibly bright for Newmains and St Brigid’s primary schools, the family learning centre and for the wider community here.
“I wish everyone associated with the new community hub every success in their wonderful new home.”
Lindsey Mitchell of BDP Architecture spoke of her experiences of designing the building and explained that at each stage it had been in partnership with the community.
She then presented head teachers Catherine Corr (St Brigid’s PS) and Scott Smith (Newmains PS) with gold award trophies for their schools to display. The awards were given to the design team for the best education project from this year’s Scottish Design Awards.
Lindsey said: “Schools are at the heart of any healthy community. So, providing a successful, sustainable learning environment that promotes wellbeing is a contributing factor in supporting learning within a well-knitted social environment.
“The project has always been about collaboration, and about creating a place for learning. That ethos really comes through. Iconic features such as the helical slide that wraps around a statement figurative tree in the shared central space make it an original and exciting place for children and local people.
“It really is an exceptional space for community activity - delivering inclusion and engagement to build social cohesion and every unique aspect of this project has been received exactly as intended.”
The £18 million Newmains and St Brigid's Community Hub, designed to be environmentally and energy efficient, also includes Newmains Family Learning Centre for nursery children and is home to more than 500 children and staff.
It features bright, welcoming multi-use flexible teaching areas, an 11-a-side outdoor sports pitch, extensive outdoor play areas and new paths to connect the community. Trees have been planted to create a forest school for nursery and primary pupils.
There is also an indoor slide and a stage, which opens to a large hall for assemblies, sports and other events.