St Sophia’s Primary School in Galston is currently being refurbished and is set to become the first EnerPHit certified school in the UK – creating a unique learning environment for children and young people.
EnerPHit refurbishment transforms the energy efficiency of an existing building, working within the existing footprint and structure. Undertaking a deep retrofit to an EnerPHit standard also provides the opportunity to rationalise and improve the layout of the existing building to ensure this is fit for modern learning environments.
Pupils from P5 and P6 recently visited their school to view progress taking place and to learn how they will benefit from this innovative refurbishment.
Councillor Elaine Cowan, Cabinet Spokesperson for Education, and Children and Young People joined the young people and Depute Head Teacher Mr MacConnell at the site for a project update from main contractor Flemings, and the design and delivery team from Property and Facility Management, who are managing the project.
Councillor Cowan said: “It was great to join the young people from St Sophia’s and get an update on this exciting and innovative project, which will become the first EnerPHit certified school in the UK. The project is progressing well with foundations and underbuilding completed for the new extension, steel sections for the new two storey extension completed and internal plasterwork ongoing within the main hall, kitchen and main corridor area. You can really see the school taking shape now.
“Being at the forefront of this work means that we have had architects visiting the site from all over Scotland to learn about the build process. Next week Flemings, in partnership with the Council, are hosting a group of architects from the Glasgow Institute of Architects on site where they will be sharing information and best practice.
“While this project is undoubtedly innovative, it is - first and foremost, an investment in the children and young people of the Irvine Valley. As a Council we are committed to ensuring that all our children and young people have the best possible start in life and have the opportunity to learn in an environment that matches the hopes and aspirations of the school community.”
The project, which has a total capital budget of £5.8m, is being delivered as part of the Scottish Government’s Learning Estate Investment Programme – Phase 2 and is receiving total grant funding support of approximately £4.300m over a 25-year period.