CONSTRUCTION is underway on the £18.3 million build of the new East Calder Primary School, West Lothian Council has said.
Hub South East is delivering the build on behalf of the local authority, with Morrison Construction as main contractor. The duo also delivered the new multi-school Winchburgh development, West Calder High School, and Calderwood Primary.
The build comes after a ‘number of issues’ were identified in the current East Calder Primary School building, including suitability, accessibility, and sustainability meaning that it is unsuitable for modern education.
Being built next to the existing school on Langton Road, the replacement is expected to be completed by August 2024. The original school will then be demolished, with the exception of the recently built early years extension which will be retained.
To mark the start of works, the council’s executive councillor for education, Andrew McGuire, was joined by minister for children and young people, Natalie Don, for a sod-cutting ceremony.
Eileen Mackin, project director for Hub South East, said, “We were delighted to welcome the Minister to site and celebrate the start of construction on the new East Calder Primary. Our successful relationship with West Lothian Council has already delivered a range of inspiring learning spaces and we are proud to be entrusted with the latest investment in their education estate.
“We look forward to making the plans a reality and ensuring that a range of social value initiatives are delivered locally so that the wider community benefits from opportunities during construction.”
Allan Cunningham, operations director for Morrison Construction Building Central, added, “We are delighted to be getting underway with what is set to be another exciting schools project with our partners at West Lothian Council and Hub South East. As a team, we have a strong track record in delivering high-quality educational facilities for the students of the region and we all believe that this new school at East Calder will only add to that.”
Councillor McGuire said, “I’m delighted to see work starting on a fantastic new East Calder Primary School, which will be hugely welcomed by the local community. West Lothian already has one of the top-rated school estates in the country, and the superb new East Calder Primary will help ensure that even more of our children have the best possible platform for education.”
