SCOTLAND’S Deputy First Minister John Swinney was on hand to help mark the start of construction work at the new Jedburgh Intergenerational Community Campus.
Mr Swinney joined councillors and local pupils for a ground breaking ceremony at the new facility, which will replace three schools – Jedburgh Grammar as well as Howdenburn and Parkside Primary Schools. Community facilities will include a games area, 2G hockey pitch, 3G sports pitch, 100m running track, external changing pavilion and rural skills area.
Funding for the project was confirmed last year as one of four initiatives to share £28 million from the latest phase of the Scottish Government’s £1.8 billion ‘Schools for the Future’ programme.
The campus is being delivered by Scottish Borders Council, development partner hub South East Scotland and main contractor BAM. Enabling works are being carried out by Jedburgh-based RJT Excavations Ltd.
John Swinney said, “Learning and teaching in such an innovative and inspirational setting can make a real difference to education outcomes. That is why the Scottish Government is committed to improving Scotland’s school estate, and through our £1.8 billion Schools for the Future building programme, we are providing almost £18 million towards this project.”
Councillor Shona Haslam, SBC’s Leader added, “This is another hugely significant day for Jedburgh. While it is hard to imagine at the moment, in two years on this site we will have a brand facility which will benefit generations of people in the town. Extensive consultations in the community showed the vast majority were right behind the plans for a new intergenerational campus, which will provide for 2 to 102-year-olds, with further education opportunities and community facilities for the whole town.
“During construction, a number of community benefits will be delivered to support the local economy, with a local firm already involved in the project.”
Paul McGirk, hub South East’s chief executive said, “As a hub project we’re keen to ensure that a range of community benefits are realised throughout the build. I’m delighted to see Jedburgh based RJT Excavations is already benefiting from the opportunities available and we look forward to ensuring that even more local individuals and businesses can get involved during the delivery of this project.”
Bruce Dickson, regional director, BAM Construction added, “We were delighted to be selected to deliver this project by hub South East and Scottish Borders Council and all of our team understand the importance of the new campus to the local community. It has been an impressive feat to get the project on site so quickly and demonstrates what can be achieved when everyone works in partnership to reach a common goal.”
