New Primary School and Nursery in Cowie Officially Opened

Pupils and staff at the new St Margaret’s Primary School and Cowie Nursery took part in a special opening ceremony on Friday 13^th January to celebrate the new facilities. The project was managed and delivered for Stirling Council by hub East Central Scotland and Robertson Construction began building work in July 2015. The school welcomed its first pupils in August 2016, in time for the new academic term. Stirling Council Leader Johanna Boyd said: "This is a proud moment for Stirling Council and 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 long-term benefits for the whole community; we are creating an environment in which young people can experience new and exciting learning opportunities. Depute Environment Convenor Margaret Brisley added: “Stirling Council and the contractors have produced a wonderful new school and nursery which will create long-lasting benefits for the entire community.” Gary Bushnell, Chief Executive, hub East Central Scotland, said: "It is fantastic to see the pupils and staff enjoying the new school and its facilities, which have been completed to the highest standards to meet the long term needs of the community. Around 90% of construction work was undertaken by local people and the project created 9 work placements and 12 apprenticeships for the local economy." The school and nursery were identified as priorities for investment by Stirling Council’s Education Committee in 2010. Plans were developed in consultation with the local community and the project, which was designed by AHR architects and built by Robertson Construction, saw a significant investment of £6.4m from Stirling Council. The school has been specially designed to both maximise the children’s learning experience and be as environmentally friendly as possible. The new nursery, a stand-alone, independent facility, can provide for up to 85 children from 0 to five years, hugely increasing early years’ facilities in Cowie. Facilities include large, flexible playrooms that can be opened up to create large spaces or closed down to reduce the space, as well as a nurture room, parent’s room and direct access to outside play areas off playrooms. In addition to the primary school and nursery, there are also a number of facilities within the building that can be utilised by the local community, including sports changing facilities and flexible community hall space.