IT was the end of an era when the diggers finally moved in to start demolish John Galt Primary School in Irvine.

The inevitability surrounding the demolition had been on-going for months and 80 new homes are set to take its place over the next few years.

The school closed due to a ‘significant fall’ in the number of pupils attending the school and the remaining children were relocated to Castepark and Woodlands Primaries, which have now been extended to take the former John Galt pupils.

The new pupils have made noticeable increases to Woodlands Primary from 276 to 301, however thanks to the new extensive the primary school will be able to hold up to 400 children.

The new extension was comprised three classrooms, the nursery, play room, two cloakrooms and toilets.

At Castlepark Primary the school roll has risen from 335 to 360 pupils but with a new potential capacity for up to 500, space seems to not be a problem.

The new building has merely joined onto the already existing building but the entrance has seen a dramatic face lift over the school Summer holidays. The project also incorporated a range of play and recreational spaces, outdoor teaching including seating, allotment and habitat areas.

See more in this week's Irvine Times, out now.