TIMMERGREENS SCHOOL OFFICIALLY OPENED

Pupils, staff and officials gathered at Timmergreens Primary School to officially mark the school’s opening. Angus Council Depute Provost Alex King unveiled a commemorative plaque to formally mark the advent of the modern learning facility, surrounded by guests including Cllr Sheena Welsh, Convener for Children and Learning, head teacher Jacqueline Smith along with children and staff and representatives from contractors Robertson Tayside and procurement partners hub East Central Scotland and Rev Alasdair Graham. They were joined by a number of former staff and pupils in admiring the current school roll’s 21^st century surroundings. Cllr Welsh said: “The children and staff have been settling in to their new surroundings since the start of the new school year and we’re delighted to join them today to formally induct the new Timmergreens into our school estate. It is a very worthy addition and I’m pleased to say that everyone is enjoying the benefits of a brand new school. “The project team has delivered an excellent modern, bright and multi-functional environment for learning. They have also given renewed focus for this school as a centre-point for the local community. I am sure that our children will thrive here and be proud to call Timmergreens their school.” The official opening of Timmergreens comes at the conclusion of the £12.6 million first phase of the Arbroath Schools Project, which has also included the construction of a new Warddykes Primary School and razing of old school buildings. Warddykes will be officially opened next week. The original Timmergreens school buildings was constructed almost 50 years ago and opened to pupils in 1969 and demolished in 2014 to make way for the new school. Depute Provost King said: “The Arbroath School Project represents a major investment in to the local schools estate and, of course, the local community. I am delighted with the finished development, the opportunities it will offer our children and the knowledge and enjoyment they will gain here.” Timmergreens provides seven classrooms for 200-plus children to learn, along with a nursery that accommodates around 30 pre-school children. The new building, designed by the council’s property section, also boasts a multi-purpose hall and library, as well as general purpose rooms and tutorial spaces. The design maximises the use of natural light, with near-full height windows and a clerestory around the central activity spaces. The main teaching spaces surround the playground space outdoors, which means that it can be accessed from every classroom as required. Gary Bushnell, Chief Executive, hub East Central Scotland, said: “Our team worked closely with Angus Council, managing the project from initial design through to successful completion. It is our second successful school project in Angus, delivering best value and a high quality learning environment for the community.” Kevin Dickson, regional managing director, Robertson Tayside, said: “The official opening of Timmergreens Primary School marks the latest step in Robertson Tayside’s work to help transform education facilities for young people in Angus. “Timmergreens pupils and staff have been involved at all stages of the building process and they are now benefitting from a light, modern and spacious learning environment which will give them every opportunity to thrive in their education.”