Plymouth City Council

New Riverside Community primary school

Facts and figures

  • The previously-contaminated site had to be cleaned to the satisfaction of the Environment Agency and Plymouth City Council’s Environmental Protection Officer prior to work starting
  • Amenities provided include; all weather and grass sports pitches; a sports hall with modern facilities; drama studios; ICT suites; adventure play grounds; kitchens

Client: Riverside Community Primary School, St Budeaux, Plymouth

Interserve built the new 420-pupil Riverside Community Primary School, at St Budeaux, Plymouth under the Private Finance Initiative (PFI). Work started in February 2007 and was completed on time 12 months later.

Two existing schools were merged when the new school opened, and the head teachers and other key staff were consulted extensively through the design process.

In addition to its classrooms it has a nursery, technology suite, a drama studio, interactive whiteboards throughout, wireless internet access and 70 computers. Outside there are four new playgrounds, a purpose-built sport pitch and a habitats area where children will be able to learn about wildlife.

Achievements

  • Sustainable features, such as passive stack ventilation, and photovoltaic panels
  • Following the success of this project construction of two further new primary schools is now underway, working for the same Plymouth City Council PFI team
  • Excellent working relationship with Plymouth City Council
  • The school provides additional informal teaching space with the 'teaching streets' outside all the classrooms

Head teacher of Riverside, Brian Jones, said: "This is an incredible day for us. Staff and governors helped design the sort of school they would like to work in." .

Councillor Grant Monahan, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said: "This is the start of a new era for education in this part of the city and it is a momentous occasion for everyone. It’s a fantastic new school and I am really pleased to see it open."