First pictures of new £14m Irvine school unveiled

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Images of how a new £14m school planned for Irvine could look have been revealed.North Ayrshire Council lodged a planning application for the proposed Montgomerie Park Primary last week.It comes 14 months after councillors gave the project the green light.The local authority want to build a new non-denominational school in Turnpike Way to cope with demand for places in the Montgomerie Park and Knadgerhill areas.

Now detailed designs have been unveiled for the first time with the council and agents jmarchitects aiming to create a 'modern and exciting" facility.The new non-denominational primary school will accommodate 342 pupils.

There will also be a nursery for 47 younger children.Achitects say the key design drivers have been light, ambience, openness, accessibility, flexibility, pupil interaction and formal and informal learning.Drawings also show plans for an all-weather sports pitch, natural play equipment and sensory garden.A design statement submitted with the plans adds: "The landscape proposal for Montgomerie Park Primary School aims to provide high quality exterior spaces to encourage outdoor learning, play, socialising and gathering for all ages."In addition the landscape and site master-plan aims to encourage activity and sports, as well as active travel to and from the campus."Natural play equipment, engaging planted areas, changing topography and grass mounds all promote active play."A sports pitch has been provided to encourage activity within the landscape, to be enjoyed by all students within the campus."Edible and fragrant plants such as alpine strawberries, rosemary andchives have been included within the planting mix to be engaging for outdoor learning and teaching."The building will follow stringent