Game on for £1.3m Blackridge Primary extension
A superb new £1.3m extension is getting young people active at Blackridge Primary School. Pupils have already been enjoying the school’s brand new games hall complete with modern changing facilities, improving access to sport and healthy activity.
Vice chair of the Education Executive, Councillor David Dodds, was invited to attend a special event at the school to mark the completion of the works. Blackridge Head Boy and Head Girl Ethan and Lily compered the ceremony, which included music and speeches, in front of the whole school community and invited guests.
Pictured left to right (back row) are Maxi Construction’s Brian Watters, West Lothian Council’s Head of Service for Education Donna McMaster, Councillor David Dodds, James Stevenson from West Lothian Council Construction and Design Services and Head Teacher Julie Ross.
Councillor Dodds said: “I am delighted to officially open the new £1.3m extension to Blackridge Primary School. The new games hall will give a real boost to the school, increasing the amount and range of physical activity offered for Blackridge pupils. West Lothian has one of the best school estates in Scotland, thanks to ongoing investment like this all over the area, as we aim to ensure we continue to provide a suitable learning environment for all West Lothian children.”
Other works at the school have included improving access to the school through a new main entrance way and reception area, with internal alterations to allow disabled access between the various levels within the existing school.
Blackridge Head Teacher Julie Ross added: “The new extension is already making a huge difference to the Blackridge school community. As well as upgrading our PE facilities this extension has provided us with a much needed first impression space, which promotes our pupils feeling of self-worth and value. It’s now our job to continue to develop a positive lasting impression on our children.”
The project was managed by West Lothian Council’s Construction and Design team, with Livingston-based Maxi Construction appointed to carry out the works.
The high-quality project was delivered on time and on budget, with the school council and Maxi staff working closely to address the challenges of working around a live school environment to successfully deliver the project.
Maxi Construction’s Managing Director, John Aitchison, commented “We are proud to have delivered the extended and enhanced facilities at Blackridge Primary School, which include a new games hall with modern changing facilities, school entrance and reception area. This project also provided learning opportunities both for pupils, by way of a blog, and for members of our supply chain, via formal training.”
