9:30am Monday 6th July 2009
By Ali Dent
A NEW £3million state-of-the-art school has been officially unveiled in Acton Turville.
Trinity Primary School has been completely rebuilt and features a distinctive curved building to reflect the school's leaf-shaped emblem.
Bishop of Gloucester, Michael Perham, was cutting the ribbon to open the new building at a ceremony today.
Headteacher Mark Toogood said: "This official opening of the new school is the final part in the creation of the new building for Trinity School.
"This is a moment for which we have waited a long time. For many years we were used to talking about the new school and now it has actually happened and we are enjoying every moment of being in it."
The old school buildings, which were dilapidated and unfit for modern teaching, were demolished in April after pupils and staff had moved in to their new classrooms.
The new school features an assembly hall, open plan library and is fully accessible for wheelchair users.
A dual heating system with a biomass boiler, a green roof and rainwater harvesting were incorporated into the design by contractors Carillion.
The investment from South Gloucestershire Council follows years of unsuccessful bids by the school.
Cllr Sheila Cook, executive member for education, said: "The new school is a fantastic facility for pupils, staff and the community.
"One of the council’s main priorities is to help ensure that children and young people get the best possible start in life and this new development demonstrates that commitment."
Cllr Sue Hope (Lib Dem, Cotswold Edge) said: "This new school will not only benefit the pupils it teaches but will be an environmental benefit for the whole community.
"The pupils, parents, governors and school staff can already feel proud to have worked together to create a design that not just works economically but that leads the way environmentally.
"I’m really pleased that the innovative design based on the school’s leaf emblem ensures it will be a beauty spot not a blot on the landscape."
A sports pitch is being built on the site of the old school and is expected to be ready in spring 2010.
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