Kirkliston Primary pupils celebrate new facilities

PUPILS and teachers at a primary school in the Capital are celebrating after their new gym, dining hall and 3G sports pitch were officially opened.
Kirkliston Primary pupils enjoy their new 3G pitch. Picture: Jon SavageKirkliston Primary pupils enjoy their new 3G pitch. Picture: Jon Savage
Kirkliston Primary pupils enjoy their new 3G pitch. Picture: Jon Savage

The facilities at Kirkliston Primary were unveiled by Lord Provost Donald Wilson yesterday.

Cllr Wilson was the special guest of honour at the event, which marked the first phase of the school’s £5.25m extension.

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A new wing was created to provide the gym, dining hall and changing areas.

The work also saw completion of the new 3G sports pitch, increased parking and subdivision of the school’s old hall to create two additional teaching spaces.

Five new classrooms are also being built which will be ready for use by August 2016.

The gym and separate dining hall can be used together as a large venue for major school or community events.

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Education bosses said the final phase would provide a further three classrooms which will follow next year.

In addition to new buildings, capacity at the nearby nursery in Kirkliston has been increased from 40 pupils in both the morning and afternoon to 70.

The investment has been welcomed by staff and political leaders.

Irene Whitford, acting head teacher, said: “The new hall has been a fabulous asset to the school as we can have two classes having gym at the same time and when the hall is opened up to one big hall it is a fantastic space which now accommodates all the children and parents too.

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“The children were so excited by the 3G pitch which again can take two classes using it at once. The children can use it at break time and lunch for their own games and the After School Club is able to use it too. It’s a great space and can be used in all weathers. It’s fantastic to see it being used and I love showing it off to new families moving into the village.

“As the school continues to grow we are looking forward to the eight new classrooms, five of which will be ready for the children in August.”

The Lord Provost said: “This is a fantastic new space. It is so important that we work in partnership with developers to invest in our communities and our people and this project is a great example of the benefits of this approach.

“The new gym and 3G sports pitch will be put into immediate use when the school hosts its own Kirkliston Olympics next week. I wish all of those taking part the best of luck.”

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Cllr Paul Godzik, education leader, added: “With the increased housing in the Kirkliston area these extensions are vital to cope with the extra demand for places at the primary school. Rising rolls is a huge issue for the city and we have a further nine new classes currently being built at three other primary schools for August 2016.”