Stunning drone snaps reveal progress on construction of new secondary school in Galashiels
New building is due to open by Autumn 2025
Last updated 29th May 2024
Scottish Borders Council has released images of work on a new secondary school in Galashiels and insists construction is "progressing well".
It follow concerns from community councillors that the £65 million development in the town's Scott Park may not be completed until September next year - meaning pupils may be expected to move into the new school in the middle of a new term.
Scottish Borders Council has confirmed the building is on track to be completed by autumn 2025.
Councillor Leagh Douglas, the local authority's Executive Member for Education & Lifelong Learning, said: “After almost a year of construction completed on the new replacement for Galashiels Academy, I am delighted to see the physical building begin to take shape.
“Once open the new facility will be a truly transformational facility for young learners in the Galashiels region offering a well-balanced mixture of learning spaces and providing students with an education that will set them up for later life.”
The new school includes a swimming pool - with the neighbouring pool in Livingstone Place due to be demolished to make way for a car park - as well as a 2G hockey pitch, 3G rugby and football pitch, grass football pitch, tennis courts and 100 metre running track.
Campaigners had objected to the development on one of the town's key green spaces.
But the council says the new development will include a new play park, additional greenspace and improved links with Gala Hill and neighbouring woodland.
A spokesperson for the local authority said: "Work is now being undertaken to provide weather tightness to the main education areas of the facility and progress the external facades which comprise of a mixture of large glazing units, stone and metal cladding.
"The internal fit out of the building will also commence shortly meaning the external visibility and impact of the works will be minimised."
Information boards have been placed opposite the existing main school building to share updates on the project.
Councillors joined pupils on a tour of the site to witness the progress on the construction project, which is being delivered by Hub South East - Scottish Borders Council’s Development Partner - with Morrison Construction.
Scott Brown, Hub South East’s Project Director, added: “This visit not only showcased the great progress being made on construction, but allowed us to talk to the wider group about the positive social impact being made locally as a result of the project, including work experience, new jobs, apprenticeships and supporting community groups.”
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