Warddykes Primary School celebrates official opening

Songs and celebrations, as well as the unveiling of a commemorative plaque were in order at Warddykes Primary School to mark the official opening of the brand new school.

Pupils and staff gathered to celebrate the occasion with Cllr Sheena Welsh, Convener of Children and Learning carrying out the ceremonial duties.

They were also joined by representatives from hub East Central Scotland and contractors Robertson Tayside, as well as the Reverend Martin Fair from St Andrew’s Church and Dave Webster from Arbroath Town Mission and other invited guests. Head teacher Alison Galloway thanked everyone for their attendance.

Cllr Welsh said: “I am delighted to declare the splendid new Warddykes Primary School officially open. It will provide a wonderful environment for all its pupils and staff. I am certain they will all flourish in their new 21^st century surroundings.

“Like the children, I have watched on with great interest and enthusiasm, and even made regular visits to the site, as the new school took shape. It is a facility that we can all be proud of and I am sure it will serve this community wonderfully well over the generations to come.

“As with the new Timmergreens building, which officially joined our school estate last week, the advent of the new Warddykes marks the completion of the £12.6 million first phase of our Arbroath Schools Project. This is a significant and very worthwhile investment in our schools and our children.

“Warddykes has been built-for-purpose – and that purpose is to play a vital role in the development of our young people. I am sure they will all gain knowledge, enjoyment and great memories during their time here.”

The previous school buildings served the community for 47 years. Now, in its place is a bright and multi-functional facility that offers a modern environment for learning.

It has 11 classrooms for its 280-plus pupils to learn, along with a nursery that can accommodate up to 40 children. There is a multi-purpose hall, dining hall and library, as well as general purpose rooms and tutorial spaces.

The design maximises the available natural light with near-full height windows and a clerestory and roof-lights located within the central activity spaces.

Playground spaces are on the upper and lower levels, along with an amphitheatre that is built into the hillside.

Peter Ramsay, Project Director, hub East Central Scotland, said: ”We worked closely with Angus Council, managing the project from initial design through to successful completion. It is our third successful school project in Angus, delivering best value and a high quality learning environment for the community.”

Dave Barber, operations director, Robertson Tayside, said: “Transforming the learning environment for young people is a key priority for Robertson Tayside.

“The official opening of Warddykes Primary School, as with Timmergreens, means that young people in Angus are now learning in bright, welcoming surroundings to give them every chance to succeed in their development.”