Riverside Primary School wins prestigious award

The school won the 'Innovation in Delivering a Sustainable Learning Place' at The Learning Places Scotland Awards ceremony in Glasgow on Tuesday (14 November). The awards recognise excellence in Scotland’s learning estate.

Riverside is one of the first primary schools in Scotland built to Passivhaus standards (final certification pending), where quality of construction and energy saving measures are integral to the construction of the building.

The two-storey school replaced North Muirton and Balhousie Primary Schools and has a capacity for 500 pupils.

It incorporates a nursery and Additional Support Needs Provision (ASN).

Councillor John Rebbeck, convenor of Perth and Kinross Council’s Learning and Families Committee, said: “We are committed to giving our children and young people the best start in life and the new Riverside School is a fantastic place for learning.

“I am thrilled the work that has gone into creating Scotland’s first Passivhaus primary school has been recognised.”

Convenor of Perth and Kinross Council’s Climate Change and Sustainability Committee Councillor Richard Watters added: “It is vital new buildings are as energy efficient as possible so they are better for the environment and running costs are kept to a minimum.

“Riverside Primary School is a state-of-the-art building and I am sure will be held up as an example for buildings across the country in years to come.”

The new school was built by Robertson Construction Tayside for Perth and Kinross Council.

Kevin Dickson, regional managing director, Robertson Construction Tayside, said: “Riverside Primary School sets a benchmark in Scotland for Passivhaus, by choosing this design standard Perth and Kinross Council is clearly illustrating its commitment towards net zero and high quality by providing facilities which are economical to run and have been proven to help improve pupil attainment.

“We are delighted that the efforts of the entire team have been recognised at the Learning Places Scotland Awards.”

Gary Bushnell, Chief Executive, hub East Central Scotland, who managed the delivery of the project, said: “We are proud that Riverside Primary School has been recognised for its innovative approach to sustainable building. 

“Designed by Architype and built by Robertson, the school provides an environmentally friendly learning environment that will serve the community for generations to come.”