School reopens after £3.5m extension

Gourock Primary official opening. Pictured is head teacher Christine Murray, back left,

with Councillor Francesca Brennan, Inverclyde Council’s vice-convener of education, with pupils.

PUPILS in Gourock celebrated the official opening of their new-look school following a £3.5 million extension.

Gourock Primary has been expanded with the addition of a new dining and activity hall, relocated and upgraded kitchen, extra offices, storage space and a striking new entrance and foyer.

It is the last major piece of the puzzle in Inverclyde Council’s unprecedented £270m schools’ estate revamp, which has seen every building either renewed or modernised, as well the creation of new and extended early learning centres and additional nursery classes.

On hand to officially open the Gourock Primary extension was Councillor Francesca Brennan, Inverclyde Council’s vice-convener of education and a former teacher at the school.

Cllr Brennan said:

“When I retrained as a teacher, the first school I came to was Gourock Primary and I felt so welcomed so this is an extra-special moment for me to be given the honour of officially opening the extension.

“Schools are of course more than buildings and there is a wonderful team here supporting the children and young people to reach their full potential.

“Buildings are really important though and today not only marks this great occasion for Gourock Primary, but it is also a milestone moment for the council and the people of Inverclyde.

“That’s because this is the final piece of the puzzle in the journey to renew or refurbish our schools as part of the council’s unprecedented £270m of investment in our education estate.

“While Gourock Primary has had to wait a lot longer than any of us could have envisaged, I’m sure the pupils, staff, parents and wider community will agree that it’s been well worth the wait.”

Gourock Primary was established in 1908 in nearby Binnie Street and remained there until 1999 when it moved to a new building in its current Davidson Drive location.

Head teacher Christine Murray said:

“No matter the shape and size, it is a fantastic school and I’ve taken it to my heart.

“It’s a fabulous extension and it’s made such a difference, adding a different dimension to what we can offer our pupils.

“A school is more than bricks and mortar and it’s the people within who make the difference. We are a real, supportive family here and I’m so lucky to have such a fab team to work with as well as having amazing pupils.

“Parents have also been so supportive and trusting. Everyone associated with Gourock Primary really does go above and beyond all for the sake of our children.”

Guests at the official opening were treated to some musical performances from pupils, including songs in French, recital of work by Robert Burns, a virtual tour, and guided tours led by the young people.

The extension was completed by main contractors WH Kirkwood and also involved in the project were architects Keppie Design, engineers Rybka and Will Rudd, and surveyors and project management company MGAC.

Source: Inverclyde Council