Stanley Primary School in Ardrossan welcomed not only an influx of new pupils for the latest school session last week, but is also enjoying a brand new school building after the handover of the school from leading construction firm Dawn Construction.

The primary school - part of North Ayrshire Council’s £80million investment through PPP/PFI - took a total of 68 weeks to complete and cost £7.8million. It welcomed over 500 pupils and around 45 teachers and staff through the doors who were thrilled to be setting foot in the long-awaited new building for the first time.

Built by Dawn Construction, the contract comprised the construction of a two storey primary school, sports pitch and play area. This included the demolition of the existing school and the development of car parking facilities on the cleared site which are now underway.

The new school has been enhanced by a wide range of new facilities including additional classrooms, a games hall and sports pitches – all created and designed to meet the needs of school users and members of the community.

Dawn Construction Project Manager for Stanley Primary School, Gordon Stewart has been responsible for the site since the start of works.

And he’s had good reason to make sure the building is up to Dawn’s usual high standards because his child, Rachel goes to the school.

He said: “Dawn Construction, working in conjunction with Hochtief PPP Solutions, has created a unique, modern primary school that has taken a contemporary design and has used modern building materials throughout.

“Dawn has worked very hard to gain strong links with the school throughout the build process and I feel this has really paid off – the communications between the school and the contractors now means everyone is delighted with the final result.

“As a parent, I am thrilled to see my child go to a school with such superb facilities. The new school and surrounding amenities means the children of Stanley Primary will experience a greater learning environment that has been specifically tailored to meet the demands of school children today.”

Dawn’s Commercial Director, Steve McMillan added: “Dawn Construction is also working on Greenwood Academy in Irvine and we are thrilled to be involved in the regions educational redevelopment.

“As a company, Dawn has a strong reputation as a leader in PPP/PFI projects and has just received financial close on a £100million project at West Lothian, the company is also on the bidder list for the forthcoming PPP/PFI project with the Inverclyde Schools.”

Lachlan Martin, Head teacher of Stanley Primary School is delighted to be starting the new session in the new school. He added: “At last the vision has became a reality. We are all very impressed with the brightness of the new building and the facilities available to staff and pupils. The environment will be very stimulating for the education of the children and I regard this as the ‘Dawn’ of a new era for the school community.

“We have enjoyed an excellent relationship with Gordon Stewart and his staff throughout the construction period and I have no doubt this will continue as we settle into the new building.”

Email: hazel.clare@beattiegroup.com