Skypark’s business community has teamed up with Anderston Primary School to breathe new life into its learning spaces, turning the building into a bright and welcoming environment for both pupils and teachers. As part of the outreach initiative, local businesses and contractors contributed furniture, IT equipment, paint, and resources to refresh the school. Key contributors included Capita, Spire Global, Motorola Solutions, and Skypark’s facilities team, along with contractors VQ Construction, Abernethy Installations, and Barbour Environmental Services.
A variety of furniture, IT equipment, and paint were donated to refresh Anderston Primary School, from occupiers Capita (the modern outsourcer), Spire Global, Motorola Solutions and Skypark’s facilities team alongside VQ Construction, Abernethy Installations and Barbour Environmental Services.
Allan Lynn, Headteacher at Anderston Primary School said: “Thanks to Skypark, Capita, the facilities team and other companies that have supported our venture to improve the learning environment at Anderston Primary, our school now has a fresh new look and offers a more welcoming learning environment for our learners. We have greatly benefitted from the donations of equipment, resources and expertise to improve the quality of the furniture and aesthetics of our school. The children, families and staff are very thankful and appreciative of the improvements we have been able to make. Our children are very passionate about sustainability and were keen to reuse and recycle as many items as possible. This has been especially appreciated in the current climate of tightened budgets in all sectors.”
“Our children appreciate the investment from Skypark and their tenants. The increased sense of pride in their school is evident and through the children’s positive attitude to learning. This is also an opportunity for our children to display our school value of ‘respect’ as they are so proud of their new furniture and have already shown they will look after this well for future years of pupils coming through the school. Our staff team have also welcomed the refresh to the school and agree it has brightened and improved our learning and work environments significantly.”
A primary pupil shared their thoughts on how equipment donations have transformed their classrooms and improved their learning experience.
Alba from Primary 4 said: “Skypark have given us lots of stuff that is really useful! Mr Lynn’s office is really nice and neat because of the new tables and chairs. I really like the Head teacher’s new office chair – it looks really comfortable! The new cabinets outside my class are pretty and help us to be really organised with our textile supplies for learning labs. We have been using the new speakers that Skypark gave us for assembly and outdoors. Our school is cool, thanks to these donations.”
Capita recently moved locations within Skypark, and as part of the move, donated a wide range of items with soft furnishings that were placed in the staff room, assisted learning suite, and the library. Sofa chairs were added to the staff room and library, while coffee tables found new homes in the staff room and school reception. Cabinets were distributed across classrooms, the after-school care area, and the first aid room.
Corinne Ripoche, CEO Capita Experience added: “As a business, we believe in giving back to the communities where we operate. Donating our furniture and equipment to Anderston Primary School’s refresh allows us to contribute to a more sustainable future. It’s not just about repurposing resources – it’s about investing in the next generation and helping create an environment where school pupils can thrive.”
Pedestals were provided for the teachers’ desks, along with 30 iPads for classroom use. Additional equipment, such as test tubes, microscopes, and various supplies, were donated for the future STEM room. Paint and painting materials were also contributed, along with wood offcuts and basic tools for the craft classes. Contractors generously replaced some additional resources free of charge.
Skypark’s Strategic Lettings Advisor, Angela Higgins of Resonance Capital, said: “Our community outreach is part of sustainability initiative that extends to giving back to the local charities, schools and good causes. We have a policy of nothing going into landfill and items of equipment and furniture that can be repurposed or upcycled are redistributed. Thank you to our businesses, Malcolm McFetridge our facilities manager and our contractor team. They have done a fantastic job to creatively give back to young learners, families and staff.”
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