SWINNEY OPENS OAKBANK PRIMARY SCHOOL

hub East Central Scotland Chair, Ian Mullen, Head Teacher Samantha Murray and MSP John Swinney

Perthshire North MSP, John Swinney, recently opened the new Oakbank Primary School and Nursery in Perth, marking the successful completion of a £9.4 million project delivered by hub East Central Scotland. It is the second school to have been delivered by hub, working in close partnership with Perth and Kinross Council. Designed by Holmes Miller Architects and built by BAM Construction, the building works to replace the old school began in April 2014 and pupils and staff occupied the new facilities in June 2015. Primary and nursery pupils at Oakbank had the chance to see their new school progress at first hand. The project team worked with a specially formed pupil group to track the replacement of the existing school from the start until completion. Nursery children, under supervision with their hard hats on, viewed the building works through a special viewing window on site. Perthshire North MSP John Swinney performed the official opening ceremony. He said: “It is a great pleasure to be, once again, opening a brand new multi million pound school within Perth and Kinross. “Here at Oakbank, I know that both the local and school communities are delighted with the finished product and remain very impressed with the pace at which this wonderful building took shape. “This investment by the Scottish Government and Perth & Kinross Council is much more than financial; it is first and foremost an investment in our children’s education and future.” Perth & Kinross Council Leader, Councillor Ian Miller commented: “The new Oakbank Primary School reflects the Council’s aim to provide the high quality learning environment that our children and young people need. I believe that this modern and attractive new school will encourage and inspire children to learn and achieve their fullest potential.” Ian Mullen, Chairman, hub East Central Scotland, said: “Our team worked closely with Perth & Kinross Council, managing the project from initial design through to successful completion on time and budget. It is our second successful school project in Perthshire, delivering best value and a high quality learning environment for the community.”