Published: Wednesday, 20th February, 2008 4:30pm

£40m eco school unveiled

THESE pictures provide an exclusive first look at Inverclyde"s largest secondary, currently being built under a flagship new schools programme.

The £40 million Inverclyde Academy, a superschool with 62 classrooms to house 1,100 pupils, is being built next to Ravenscraig Stadium.

It will boast a drama studio with an auditorium seating 400, a dance studio, a multi-use games area, Astroturf and grass pitches, and is designed to be the most environmentally-friendly school in Inverclyde.

The school will also house a 32-metre wind turbine, which has been brought in from Canada. Erected in the corner of the sports pitch, the turbine will provide 25 to 30 per cent of the school"s power.

The structure is designed to allow in as much natural light as possible, and a computer-operated ventilation system will filter out carbon dioxide.

Designed by London-based architects Studio E, the 13,700 sq ft building has been under construction since 5 February last year, and is due to be completed by 15 September.

Internal balconies will give staff an ideal vantage point to survey children and prevent bullying, while the vast entrance will be lined with sofas and "chill out" zones.

John Ferrie, Inverclyde Council"s schools estate programme officer, said: 'Key corners of the hub give natural supervision, so children won"t have the bullying opportunities you get in other schools.

'It will make it a safe environment for the kids.'

The secure entry system will include a video unit and is designed to lock down once pupils are inside.

Council leader Stephen McCabe welcomed the new building.

He said: 'It"s fantastic. There"s lots of space and light. It"s great to be able to see it actually being built.'

NEXT WEEK: The Tele takes a peek inside another of Inverclyde"s brand-new schools.

Return to: Homepage | News Index | This article