Robertson Construction has started work on a new primary school and nursery in Stirling.

The project, which was designed by AHR architects, will see a significant investment of £6.4 million from Stirling Council. The school will be specially designed to both maximise the children’s learning experience and be as environmentally friendly as possible.

Detailed structural investigations revealed that the current building, St Margaret’s Primary, was not suitable for refurbishment and the decision to build a new school was taken by Stirling Council’s education committee in 2013.

The new school and nursery, located on Berryhills in Cowie, will offer extra early years education for 0-5 year olds. The current nursery class in Cowie Primary is only able to accommodate children aged 3-5, and the need for more nursery provision became clear during a consultation with the local community on the best location for the new school.

It will be ready by the start of the new academic year in August 2016.

Stirling Council’s education convener, Cllr Alastair Berrill, said: “This is a proud moment for Stirling Council. We are delighted to have worked with the school and local community to provide a new school and nursery for Cowie. The project will have long-term benefits for the whole community; we are creating an environment in which children can receive the best possible education.”

Andy Mallice, managing director at Robertson Construction, said: “Work is now well underway to deliver this modern school and nursery which will provide a highly positive educational experience for young people. We are proud to be working in partnership with Stirling Council to complete the development which will create benefits for the entire community. During the construction programme we will be working closely with the local community to ensure the project has a long-lasting impact.”

Gary Bushnell, chief executive of hub East Central Scotland, who procured the project, said: “Our team has worked closely with Stirling Council to reach this key milestone and we look forward to delivering the new school and nursery, which will be ready for pupils next year. Our focus is to deliver sustainable high-quality facilities that meet the needs of the communities they serve. This project is one of 42, together valued at over £500m, which hub East Central Scotland is currently delivering across Forth Valley, Fife, Angus, Tayside and Perthshire.”