A NEW wing of a school in Chineham has been opened by the widow of the architect who designed it.

Great Binfields Primary School, in Binfields Farm Lane, took school governors and a special guest around the new development on Friday, 13 July.

The recently opened Alec Gillies Wing of the school was designed by Alec, who died 18 months before the completion of the project.

A plaque bearing his name was unveiled by Carmel Gillies, his widow, on Friday.

The new facilities, which took over two years to build, include approximately 700sqm of new classrooms, as well as new areas to play inside and outside.

There is also a new area to pick up and drop off students, and improved access to the surrounding woodland.

Jules Rogers, headteacher at the school, said: “It’s been a gradual process; the area which is now classrooms, was previously the car park.

“It’s absolutely wonderful, and we are so grateful to have it.

“I had the pleasure of meeting Alec when he was first sharing the plans, and his passion was wonderful.”

Carmel said: “I’m really proud that he has been able to leave a legacy in the wing, and I’m proud of the team that put it together.

“He had a real affinity with the school, and the staff and the design of the building.

“This is an amazing space, and it has been designed to be a creative learning environment, being very open and incorporating the inside and outside.”

Part of the day was kept as a surprise, as Carmel was unaware that the wing was to be named after Alec.

Carmel added: “I didn’t know about the dedication, which was a wonderful surprise. I’m so proud of him and it is a fantastic achievement for the school.”

A former staff member had also baked a cake in the shape of the wing.