WORK STARTS ON COWIE SCHOOL AND NURSERY

Strong foundations have been laid for the future of children in Cowie, with building work beginning on a new primary school and nursery yesterday (Thursday 25^th June). It will be ready by the start of the new academic year in August 2016. The project, which is led by Hub East Central Scotland, was designed by AHR architects and is being built by Robertson Construction. It will see a significant investment of £6.4m from Stirling Council. The school will be specially designed to both maximise the children’s learning experience and be as environmentally friendly as possible. The new school and nursery, located on Berryhills in Cowie, will offer extra early years education for 0-5 year olds. The current nursery class in Cowie Primary is only able to accommodate children aged 3-5, and the need for more nursery provision became clear during a consultation with the local community on the best location for the new school. Stirling Council’s Education Convener, Cllr Alastair Berrill, said: “This is a proud moment for Stirling Council. We are delighted to have worked with the school and local community to provide a new school and nursery for Cowie. The project will have far-reaching, long-term benefits for the whole community; we are creating an environment in which children can thrive and enjoy learning, meeting their potential and forging a bright future.” Gary Bushnell, Chief Executive of Hub East Central Scotland, who procured the project, said: “Our team has worked closely with Stirling Council to reach this key milestone and we look forward to delivering the new school and nursery, which will be ready for pupils next year. Our focus is to deliver sustainable high-quality facilities that meet the needs of the communities they serve. This project is one of 42, together valued at over £500 million, which Hub East Central Scotland is currently delivering across Forth Valley, Fife, Angus, Tayside and Perthshire." Andy Mallice, Managing Director at Robertson Construction, said: “Work is now well underway to deliver this modern school and nursery which will provide a highly positive educational experience for young people. We are proud to be working in partnership with Stirling Council to complete the development which will create benefits for the entire community. During the construction programme we will be working closely with the local community to ensure the project has a long-lasting impact.”