Celebrations as extension project completed at Falmouth school

Pupils, parents and teachers are celebrating the completion of a GBP300,000 extension project at St Mary's Catholic Primary School in Falmouth.

Penzance-based RLT Architects led the build which began last November.

Chair of governors, Matt Higham, said: «We are absolutely delighted, it's a fantastic addition. It's provided more space for music lessons. Before the children were either having music lessons in the staff room or the headteacher's office. Now they have a dedicated room.»

«It's also great for the teaching staff as they have a much larger staff room, which means they've a better environment to complete lesson plans. We have all been waiting a long time for this, we started planning for it about five or six years ago. It will benefit everyone and we are really pleased with it.»

The project provides new teaching and administration space, together with new staff and headteacher's facilities. It will allow the school to meet future needs.

When redesigning the school RTL Architects worked closely with St Mary's to reduce its environmental impact. The thermal perfomance of the building has now been improved to reduce the school's carbon dioxide emissions.

Headteacher, Jacqui Scarborough, said: «The fact that we will be able to reduce our carbon footprint is very important to us, and it's good to have the support of RLT, with their expertise and knowledge in this area.»

The work was carried out by a local contractor, Scrace & Co. It was designed to be distinct from the existing building and provide a modern feel to the school entrance through the use of stripped coloured cladding in the school colours manufactured by Steni.

RLT Architects has been acting for and advising the Plymouth Roman Catholic Diocese, which looks after St Mary's, on their various school assets in Cornwall and parts of Devon for more than 15 years. The company's director, Danny Cooper, said: «We are so pleased that everyone is happy with the finished project. It is great to know that the building will make a real difference to the pupils and the teaching staff for many years to come.»

For more information, please contact Danny Cooper on 01736 367646 or visit www.rtlarchitects.co.uk.