CONSTRUCTION of the new Easthouses Primary School in Midlothian has been completed on time and on budget.
The school was handed over to Midlothian Council by Hub South East ahead of the start of the new academic year. Morrison Construction was lead contractor on the project, with jmarchitects responsible for the design.
Located on the site of the old Newbattle High, the school can accommodate 459 children. There are 16 places to support children with Additional Support Needs (ASN) from across Midlothian, and 80 pre-school places. 67 pupils will be attending on the first day of the new term along with 80 pre-school children.
Two wings are linked by a shared space with dining facilities, a multi-purpose hall, an arts/movement space, offices and support facilities.
Councillor Ellen Scott, Midlothian Council’s cabinet member for education, said, “This is everything we could have hoped for, a wonderful learning environment for local children and a new focal point for the community.”
Andrew Thornton, Hub South East’s project director, added, “We’re delighted to have successfully handed over Midlothian Council’s latest investment in its education estate. The new Easthouses Primary school is going to make a real positive difference to the learner journey of its young people when it opens in the new school term.
“As a true development partner, Hub is keen on ensuring a lasting legacy beyond construction. We’re particularly proud to have worked with the council to identify local priorities and develop a bespoke programme of activities to support this, ensuring the realisation of social impact locally, including support for a number of local community groups, work experience, local employment and apprenticeships.”
David Ewing, MD for Morrison Construction Building Central, stated, “The new Easthouses Primary School is a fantastic example of a flexible school, capable of dealing with the needs of mainstream students, ASN students, and pre-school children. We are once again pleased to have worked with Midlothian Council and Hub South East to deliver an exceptional project in the region on time and budget, and we look forward to the arrival of the new students.”
