Halgreen Nursery School's new look became a possibility when the Drumchapel Social Inclusion Partnership first approached Rutherglen-based construction company D Campbell & Company, which was working on the neighbouring housing site.
The company's development and innovation director Darren McCann said, 'The social inclusion partnership (SIP) asked us if we could help with some work on the nursery school. Initially we looked at painting the existing building and then we decided to get a bit more involved and do some other improvements such as putting in a patio and re-roofing, and upgrading the building.
'The SIP approached the arts partnership, Drumchapel Arts, and they brought along some volunteers to do decorative painting, with games marked out on the ground and murals of scenes from cartoons, woodland and children playing. There are games incorporated into the murals - for example children can be asked to spot the number of butterflies round the building.'
The SIP also worked with a number of other agencies and companies on the project, including Communities Scotland and Kendoon Housing Co-op, as well as receiving donations from local youth organisations and school pupils. The building work was completed in three weeks, while the painting work took about ten.
At the official opening last month, Councillor Madge O'Neill, the housing convenor of Glasgow City Council, said, 'This initiative has greatly improved the environment of Halgreen Nursery School and I would like to extend my congratulations to all the organisations, children, parents and staff involved.
'This project represented a unique opportunity for the people of Halgreen to become actively involved in the enhancement of their local environment and demonstrates just what can be achieved when all the public and private sector partners come together to work for the good of the local community.'
Bernie Rooney, financial director of D Campbell & Company, added, 'It is essential for the future progress of Drumchapel that its next generation are given the best possible facilities and environment. The nursery school will play a significant role in achieving this objective.'
