02nd Feb 2009 - Primary pupils get close up of UK's largest speculative build office park

Pupils from Aitkenhead Primary in Uddingston got a chance to be real-life "Bob the Builders" when they visited the UK's largest live office park development, which is due for completion at Eurocentral next year.

The primary six school children, toured the £330 million Maxim Office Park to learn more about the project, which will deliver 10 international class office buildings, more than 756,000 sq.ft of office accommodation - equivalent in size to 27 football pitches - and could create 8,000 jobs. The first three office buildings are ready for occupation in summer 2009, when the park opens for business.

The 26 pupils donned hard hats and high visibility jackets during the tour, which also included inspecting visit to the largest office block building currently under construction in the UK (Building 5, 186,545 sq ft) where each pupil signed a commemorative steel beam.

Commenting on the visit, Karen Campbell, Chief Executive of Maxim, said: "Maxim is a vast development and creates a new business destination for Scottish business which will have a hugely positive impact on the local area as we seek to attract and accommodate leading global, national and international companies in North Lanarkshire.  

"With a project of this magnitude it is extremely important to engage with the local community and we are delighted that Aitkenhead Primary pupils were the first to be in a position to see a development that will make a huge difference to their area. We are looking to instigate a series of visits from other schools in the area over the next 12 months."

Kelly Devine, primary six teacher at Aitkenhead Primary added: "Getting involved with Maxim Office Park has been a fantastic learning experience for the children. The visit has encouraged the children to be effective contributors and responsible citizens in our local area. The children were amazed at the scale of the development and are keen to be the future generation of employees within the park."

The Maxim site management team and building contractors, Bowmer and Kirkland, were on hand to conduct the school visit and answer questions.

On completion at the beginning of 2010, Maxim will create a vibrant business district offering Grade ‘A' office accommodation, a range of shops, a wine bar, bistro and childcare and leisure facilities.