LAST Wednesday afternoon Herald reporter Caroline Boxer had the pleasure of joining Crieff High head teacher Christine Ross to be shown around the new Strathearn Community Campus.
The tour was led by Laing O’Rourke’s Jim Brooks, project leader for Perth and Kinross schools, and James Henderson, construction manager.
Mrs Ross, who is now both head teacher and campus leader, explained that the vision for the site is to “provide high quality opportunities, experiences and learning for the people of Strathearn”. And on entering the building it is clear to see how this will be achieved.
Herald readers will, over the last few months, have watched with wonder as the SCC, which is part of PKC’s £136 million investment in learning programme, has gradually risen from the ground.
Walking through the new entrance, opposite Pittenzie Road, it is easy to imagine how this spacious, bright, welcoming environment will inspire future generations to learn.
Although in many ways still a building site, the space already has an incredibly positive feel. There is an energy and anticipation running through its corridors which is just waiting to be tapped into by the 100s of pupils who will, in November, flow through its doors.
But the exciting thing is that it isn’t just a school for up to 800 pupils, it is also a community campus which everyone in the Strathearn area will be able to utilise and enjoy seven days a week.
And directly to the right of the entrance is one of the key components which will keep this building at the heart of the community - the library.
Moving from its current location on Comrie Street - this will be accessible to all at all times and will be the only part of the school which the public will be able to get into without a swipe card.
The comfortable space is modern and light, enhanced by the outer wall which is made almost entirely of glass. The library will be equipped with new resources and include a children’s area, a local and family history area and a learning zone.
The local team from the Council's Cultural and Community Services will also relocate to SCC, providing youth services, support to community groups and organisations and a range of adult learning classes.
Attached to the library are two bookable meeting rooms, which can made into one by opening up the folding partition door.
However, within the modern design, there is still a touch of the past with one of the areas already marked out as the space which will be used to permanently display the Burgh and Drummond Crosses which are currently exhibited at the Tourist Information Centre.
This desire to remember Strathearn’s rich heritage is also reflected in the architect’s feature stone wall at the entrance to the school.
The assembly hall is another area which has been given a link to the past through its name, The Tryst. This is not only a school hall but also a theatre space and concert venue, and when the bleacher seats are in place will seat around 350 people (even more if standing). It will also include cinema-style projection facilities and can be used for conferences and other large meetings. It is hoped that this space will be regularly used by community groups.
The new PE wing with its four court games hall which has been built to Sports Scotland standard is breathtaking. Its dimensions are the same as a full size competition basketball court and within this there is a five-a-side football pitches with goal pockets sunk into the walls, plus an international volley ball court.
The wing also includes a dance studio, which will have a folding ceiling to allow maximum light, a fully equipped fitness suite, two squash courts plus adequate changing facilities for all. It must be remembered that these are in addition to the sports facilities which are already found at the Strathearn Recreation Centre. Wow!
Another awesome space which must be mentioned is the dining area.
This incorporates the height of the building and also uses glass as a key feature, this time in the doors and windows which will open out to the back of the school and allow al fresco dining in the warmer months.
Initially this area will not be open to the community, but hungry visitors will be able to use the new Food To Go outlet which will be run by Tayside Contracts.
The library will also house a number of ‘healthy eating’ vending machines.
