Scotland

Abernethy expands

A project to extend and upgrade Abernethy Primary School continues to make good progress.

The Perth Tayside-based project comprises the extension of the existing school in order to create new facilities, including seven semi open-plan classrooms, a number of shared activity spaces and a range of teaching spaces to accommodate up to 30 pupils. In addition, circulation routes throughout the school are being redesigned and the school playing field is to be levelled so that a Multi Use Games Area (MUGA) can be installed.

Whilst work is taking place on the project temporary school accommodation, designed to house staff and pupils, is being installed on the school playing field. Alternative arrangements for outdoor PE sessions and the school’s Sports Day have also been undertaken whilst work is taking place on the site.

Morrison Construction is the main contractor on the school extension project, whilst Perth & Kinross Council is providing all architectural services and is the quantity surveyor.

Commenting on the project, Perth and Kinross Education Director, John Fyffe, said:

“The extension of the existing six classrooms and the addition of an extra classroom will bring Abernethy Primary School up to a single stream school. Additional support areas will be provided which can be used as teaching accommodation in the future should the need arise.

“The consequential resizing of support areas such as the reception, kitchen, learning resource room centre and music room have also been included within the project.”

Work began on the extension project for Abernathy Primary School in April 2012 with preparation works taking place, which was then followed in May with the erection of temporary school accommodation on the school’s playing field. In July 2012 the contents of the school were removed and relocated to the temporary accommodation and work began on extending and reconfiguring the main building.

Work on Abernethy Primary School is due to reach completion in summer 2013. Once work is complete the temporary accommodation will be removed and the Multi Use Games Area will be installed.

The work being undertaken on Abernethy Primary School is one of a number of projects being implemented to improve schools within Perth and Kinross. Tens of millions of pounds are being invested in schemes which include the creation of new primary schools, the implementation of extensions and the erection of sport complexes.

Projects under Perth and Kinross Council’s scheme include Glenlyon Primary, Crieff Primary and Oakbank Primary and a new campus at Bertha Park.

Commenting on the school projects, Perth and Kinross Council Learning Convener, Bob Band, said:

“The Council has committed significant investment to enhancing and upgrading the school estate in Perth and Kinross.

“We are moving forward with a range of projects to help ensure we can deliver modern, high quality facilities for educational and community use and there is a great deal of work being done to bring these improvements to fruition.”

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