There were smiles all round as pupils and staff enjoyed their first day at the new Riverbank Community Hub in Coatbridge.
Riverbank Primary School was created following the merger of Carnbroe and Sikeside primaries. The new facility also includes a 50-place nursery for children aged 3-5yrs.
Pupils can enjoy many of the modern new features within the building including two chutes (one internal, and one external). There is also a drama area featuring ballet bars and mirrors.
Meanwhile, the outside area boasts a full size 3G 11-a-side sports pitch and a new forest school area, growing garden, and external covered classrooms.
Helen Paterson, Head Teacher of Riverbank Primary School and Nursery Class, said: “This is a very special day for all our families and staff to be settling into our wonderful new school and nursery environment.
“The new building has so much to offer both the children and the wider community. There has always been a strong sense of pride in the Carnbroe and Sikeside school communities and by joining together this has strengthened further.
"Everyone is looking forward to being part of this fantastic new community hub as we move forward, learn, grow and have fun together.
"We want our young people to feel safe, to achieve, to thrive, to have fun and be the best version of themselves at Riverbank.
“We look forward to working closely with parents, caregivers and our local community partners and organisations to ensure everyone feels part of the fabric at Riverbank and can enjoy this wonderful new facility.”
The Riverbank Community Hub project began construction last year and cost almost £25million.
Councillor Angela Campbell, Convener of Education, Children, and Families, expressed her delight at the opening of the new hub.
She said: "The opening of the Riverbank Community Hub is a hugely significant moment for everyone in the communities that the hub will serve. It will provide pupils and teachers with a wonderful learning environment.
“It is a clear reflection of our commitment to providing first-class education and community provision for our children, families and local people.
“The Riverbank Community Hub also serves as a space for community engagement. With dedicated spaces for events and gatherings, the hub will become a focal point for residents to come together, share experiences, and build lasting connections.”
The building is fully WiFi embedded and there are EV charging stations in the carpark.
The school also includes a community room, two court sports /assembly hall and a special kitchen area for pupils to develop their culinary skills as part of the curriculum.