Midlothian Council has said its plans to construct a new £33m Newbattle Centre continue to progress.

The local authority hopes to replace with old Newbattle Community High School with a new fit-for-purpose building. It is also set to include a new 'community hub' similar to the new £38m Lasswade Centre.

In a statement, the Council said recent developments of the project included:

-- Advertisement --

• Morrison Construction being named by Hub South East Scotland Ltd as the contractor for the Centre.

• The public planning consultation coming to an end.

• The completion of a site investigation.

• The design team starting work on options for the structure of the building.

• A planning application being prepared.

Councillor Bob Constable, Cabinet Member for Education, said: "Combined with the Lasswade Centre, the Newbattle Centre represents a total investment of nearly £70m in school and community facilities.

"This highlights our commitment, along with support from the Scottish Government through the Scottish Futures Trust to delivering world class facilities for our young people and the local community."

(JP/CD)