Landmark school clock tower refurb ‘on time’
06/03/2012 10:35:48
On a recent visit to Sorn Primary School to celebrate ‘great progress’ on its refurbishment, pupils, parents and Councillors were delighted to see how much brighter the old school was looking.
Said Councillor Douglas Reid, Leader of the Council: “It is particularly good to see the landmark school clock tower being restored to its former glory”.
The £1.1 million refurbishment of the building includes new access and internal alterations – as well as reinstatement of the historic clock tower with a new spire termination detail, finished in lead work – and working clocks!
Internal alterations include a revised floor plan reducing the classrooms from four to three, to allow additional space for a library/resource room and toilets. The new layout also features a general office to the front of the school with a separate headteacher’s office and a staff room.
Thanking all those who came to celebrate the important ‘topping out’ milestone in the school’s history, Councillor Douglas Reid said: “At the start, we talked about keeping the refurbishment in sympathy with the traditional architecture of the building – and this has clearly been achieved.
“The work done so far on this village school is a very visible sign of our continuing commitment to investing in our communities. This building is important to the educational landscape of East Ayrshire, as well as the skyline of Sorn.
“I am very grateful for the support of the local Elected Members – Councillor Jim Roberts, Councillor David Shaw and Councillor Neil McGhee – the parent council, project team, contractors James Frew Ltd and all who have contributed to get us to this stage. Progress has been excellent.
“In particular, I would like to acknowledge the support of the late Councillor Jimmy Kelly, who took a close interest in all things to do with Sorn Primary School”.
Councillor Jim Roberts, Spokesperson for Lifelong Learning, said: “It was clear from the outset that the former building did not present the environment that we would want for a modern 21st century school. Accommodation was cramped and some basic facilities were lacking.
“This refurbishment has addressed all the main issues that were identified early on. I am proud to be associated with the project, which will deliver a facility that will be real asset to the community.
“I am looking forward to the children and staff, including Headteacher Carol McCulloch, returning in May 2012 to a modernised facility which also maintains the charm of the outside of the building”.
This refurbishment is one of a series of major capital projects in the area, which include the building of a new Auchinleck Community and Resource Centre and a refurbished nursery class at Muirkirk Primary School.
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For further information, contact Elaine Scott on 01563 576013 or email elaine.scott@east-ayrshire.gov.uk