Renfrew’s newest educational facility was officially opened on Wednesday, October 29 in an event which saw local parents invited to inspect the £15.9m state-of-the-art St James’ Primary School.

The opening was performed by Jim Sheridan, MP for Paisley and Renfrewshire North, and the ceremony was attended by the Bishop of Paisley, John Keenan and Councillor Jacqueline Henry, Convener of Renfrewshire Council’s education policy board.

The new building has 455 pupils and includes the Moorpark Pre-5 Centre and a community education facility. It replaces the former St James Primary School which was constructed in the 1930s, before being substantially extended in the 1960s.

Margaret Convery, head teacher at St James’ Primary School, Renfrew, said: “We are really delighted with our new building and have settled in well in the short space of time since it opened.

“The building and outdoor facilities provide a fantastic environment for children’s learning. Everyone in our community, including children, parents, staff and visitors, have been impressed with what we have here. It is a wonderful facility for the wider community too.” The school has been designed to be as environmentally friendly as possible. It has a range of sustainable features such as solar panels for heating and electricity, a wind turbine and a biomass heating system.

The old St James’ school building is being demolished and new car parking, a full size synthetic sports pitch and additional play areas will be constructed in its place.

Councillor Jacqueline Henry, convener of Renfrewshire Council’s Education Policy Board, also commented: “It was wonderful to be able to give the local community an opportunity to see at first hand the excellent facilities available in the new St James’ Primary School. The reaction to this building has been unfailingly positive.

“Everything about the building is designed to make teaching and learning active and interesting while also helping teachers adopt innovative approaches. This school is a concrete symbol of our commitment to providing pupils, teachers, parents and communities with the best facilities we can.”