Montgomerie Park Primary School is set to open later this year and will be the first Passivhaus school in the region, supporting the council’s net-zero drive.

North Ayrshire Provost Anthea Dickson was joined by young people and their families yesterday to plant a tree which signals a new beginning and is also symbolic of the intertwining of the sustainability credentials and learning environment the new school will offer.

The new school will use significantly less energy than a typical school building, resulting in lower carbon emissions, and lower energy bills.

Initial work on the new school began in March 2023 and is being built to rigorous energy efficiency standards and will comprise 12 classrooms, early learning facilities, a gymnasium incorporating flexible performance areas, and dining facilities along with outdoor learning spaces including a seven-a-side all-weather pitch.

It will accommodate up to 342 pupils, plus an early learning and childcare facility with 32 places for three to five-year-olds, and 15 places for two-year-olds.

Provost Anthea Dickson said: “I am honoured to be taking part in this celebration and the planting of the tree is very symbolic. We all know the importance of tree planting to the environment but it also represents the start of something new.

“The children here today will be some of the first to attend Montgomerie Park Primary and will be creating many new memories. We are all very excited for them and their families.

“It is great to see the progress being made and we look forward to seeing the finished product over the coming months.”

She was joined by guests from North Ayrshire Council, development partner hub South West, main contractor Robertson Construction and a variety of stakeholders who are all looking forward to what promises to be a fantastic new learning environment.

Michael Ross, chief executive at hub South West, said: “It was fantastic to be involved in this celebration and welcome the young people who, alongside the local community, will benefit from this first class facility.

“We have a long track record of delivering projects for North Ayrshire Council, having delivered 19 projects totalling over £190m to date. All achieving value for money, high quality and with a strong community wealth building focus.

“From our North Ayrshire projects we have created 280 jobs, 81 apprenticeships and more widely we have recirculated over £34m of project spend to companies in North Ayrshire. My experienced team have the expertise to make this all happen and we enjoy working in partnership with North Ayrshire Council.”

Andy McLinden, regional managing director at Robertson Construction Central West, said: “Today marks a significant milestone as we focus our attention on completing the build and prepare it for its first intake of pupils.

“By building to Passivhaus standards North Ayrshire Council is making a firm commitment to both its net zero drive and the education of young learners. It’s a pleasure to host the event today and to meet some of the pupils who will be among the first to attend the school.”