A FIRST look at the new £14 million Montgomerie Park Primary School has been revealed after plans were formally submitted for the development.
North Ayrshire Council (NAC) officially lodged an application for planning permission for the Irvine site last week.
The local authority, together with agents JM Architects, has outlined its aim of creating "a modern and exciting facility" for pupils and the wider community.
The new non-denominational school will accommodate 342 pupils, plus an early learning and childcare facility with 32 places for those aged three-five and 15 places for two-year-olds.
In March 2019, NAC chiefs brought forward the proposed start date for construction of the facility to 2020-21 - two years earlier than first planned - however, the Covid pandemic delayed that move. The school is now set to open in August 2024.
An architect's design of the new Montgomerie Park Primary School
The design of the school has been influenced by several "key drivers", including light, openness, ambience and flexible spaces.
A design statement submitted with the plans said: "The landscape proposal aims to provide high quality exterior spaces to encourage outdoor learning, play, socialising and gathering for all ages.
"In addition the landscape and site master-plan aims to encourage activity and sports, as well as active travel to and from the campus.
"A sports pitch has been provided to encourage activity within the landscape, to be enjoyed by all students within the campus."
A mix of sensory planting is also planned, with edible and fragrant plants such as alpine strawberries, rosemary and chives included "to be engaging for outdoor learning and teaching".
The architects say their design for the site will help "create a contemporary building with a civic quality" which will "enhance and strengthen the community and character" of the growing Montgomerie Park community. They also state their aim is to provide an "inclusive and accessible building" to support those with additional needs.
The building will be built to Passivhaus design - making effective use of stringent measures to minimise energy consumption once complete.
The design statement added: "We believe the proposed Montgomerie Park Primary School and Early Years represents a positive development for the local area, offering a modern and exciting facility for the pupils of the school and local community groups.
"The design provides an exciting and efficient building and one which we believe the pupils, staff and community can be proud of and will positively engage with."
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