Primary School Officially Re-Opened after Multi-Million Pounds Refurbishment
An Inverclyde Council school has been officially re-opened after undergoing a multi-million pounds refurbishment.
The £6 million transformation of Ardgowan Primary in Greenock is the latest in the Council’s £270 million investment to deliver new and improved schools across the area.
Education Vice Convener Martin Brennan performed the opening ceremony. He said: “It is a real pleasure to be able to mark the start of a new chapter in the story of Ardgowan Primary School. I used to teach here at the night school in the early 1970’s when it was the Finnart Girls’ School but for nearly two generations this has been Ardgowan and it has served the children and parents of Greenock’s West End and beyond.”
“This building has played an important part in education in Greenock for over a century but several years ago official inspectors recognised there was inadequate space for basic facilities like dining and PR and the interior of the building was ‘drab’. Something had to be done and I am delighted we were able to build a new school inside the shell of the old – preserving a local landmark yet delivering the best facilities for the staff, children and local community.
“The children and teachers returned to the building at the start of the new term and I have been hearing how much they are enjoying being back in their wonderful new ‘old’ home.”
Head Teacher Alison McLellan said: “This is a fabulous school not just for pupils and staff but also as a resource for the whole community. I am so proud to be head of Ardgowan and I would like to offer special thanks to staff, our parents for their patience, the Council for delivering this fantastic building and to our pupils who have taken all of the changes in their stride.”
The refurbishment of Ardgowan included a new three storey extension to accommodate a gymnasium and new teaching facilities and assembly hall.
The playground has a 120 square metre multi use games area (MUGA) a growing garden, raised social space and a performing stage.
Education & Communities Convener Councillor Terry Loughran said: “We are committed to giving our children and young people the best possible start in life through education. Investment in facilities is just a part of that process. We are also fortunate to have a dedicated and professional teaching staff supported by parents and wider school communities who help to make education in Inverclyde so special."