Priorsford primary school celebrates opening of new wing
Wednesday, March 19 2008
Priorsford Primary School in Peebles held a celebration event to mark the opening of the school’s new wing on Monday (17 March).
Staff and pupils were joined by Executive Member for Education, Councillor Catriona Bhatia; Scotland Rugby Internationalist and Borderer, Ross Ford and many other special guests to celebrate the completion of the first part of the phased extension programme.
The new wing has provided the school with new Assembly Hall, Library, General Purpose Room and social areas. It also has created community areas that are readily accessible out-with school hours.
Councillor Catriona Bhatia cut the ribbon to officially open the new wing. She was impressed with the new facilities:
“I am really pleased to be here today to mark this special occasion for Priorsford. The population of Peebles has grown significantly over the last few years and with more housing planned for the area, the school urgently needed more space. I am confident that this investment will have a positive impact on the school, as well as providing the surrounding community with excellent facilities.
“I can also announce that we are submitting our planning application for the next phase, which will be funded from developer contributions.”
The school is currently the largest primary school in the region with more than 400 pupils. In 2006, Scottish Borders Council’s Capital Management Group recommended the capital spend of £700,000 as the first phase in expanding the school.
The extension was designed by SBC Architects. Jeremy Snodgrass, SBC’s Architectural Manager explained what was involved in the process:
“Working with parents and the Education department we analysed and prioritised the school’s needs before design work began. Phase one therefore addressed many of the highest priority issues while phase two, which will be going forward for planning approval shortly, will address most of the second priority issues, including a new foyer and reception area, administration offices and a new staffroom.”
Ross Ford, Scotland Rugby Internationalist from the Borders added: “I do believe school is the foundation for your future and I hope this new extension with all its new facilities will contribute to the whole morale of the staff, parents and of course - the pupils. It’s important for youngsters to stick in at school and focus on their education and with the school expanding, this is giving them all a good starting point – with more space and facilities than they had before.”
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