The keys to a new community centre have been handed to City of Edinburgh councillors, as the facility prepares for its November 26 public opening.

Jo Elliot, Chair of hub South East Scotland, presented the keys of the East Neighbourhood Centre and Craigmillar Library to Councillor Andrew Burns, Leader of the City of Edinburgh Council and Jim Hunter, East Neighbourhood Manager.

The £7.7m facility will reach over three storeys and cover 4,510 sq metres and has been developed by the Council and hub South East.

It will provide the community with a large modern library, new community space and a range of locally-managed council services and partner agencies services.

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One new apprenticeship was created and five retained through the development, with two apprentices completing their training.

16 new jobs were created within the local supply chain and the majority of work was delivered by local firms.

Jo Elliot said: "This is the second major Council project to be completed as part of the hub South East Scotland programme and we are pleased that the local authority sees hub as an attractive procurement route for public buildings. This unique partnership between the private and public sectors allows us to develop new facilities more quickly, more effectively, and with more time and cost certainty than ever before."

The building was constructed by Graham Construction. Michael Graham, executive chairman, said: "We are tremendously proud to have played our part in delivering this excellent facility for the community in Craigmillar. There has been a great deal of interest and enthusiasm for the new centre since we started work on the site back in August 2011 and I’m sure it will be warmly welcomed and well utilised by local people."

(IT)