Clark Contracts has started work to build a new nursery in Edinburgh.

A sod-cutting event was held on the site of the new building in Wardieburn Road today, 01 February.

The new Granton Early Years Centre will provide 40 places for three to five-year-olds, 15 places for two to three-year-olds and nine baby places.

Features include:

• flexible learning spaces for children and staff

• large sliding doors providing views to nature, natural light and encouraging outdoor play

• use of natural materials such as real timber from Council parks

• integrating technology such as interactive screens and specially designed 'tablet logs' for learning

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• high quality wooden furniture and equipment to provide exciting play experiences

• using social enterprises to provide materials such as the Grassmarket Community Project (bespoke wooden furniture) and North Lanarkshire Industries (natural fabrics for upholstery items)

Michael Scanlan, Director, Clark Contracts, said: "It is especially pleasing for us to be involved in the delivery of such an innovative learning centre and we very much look forward to working with the Council, our design team and the centre's staff to construct this very important facility for the local community."

Cllr Cammy Day added: "Investing in early years and delivering quality, affordable childcare is a priority for the Capital Coalition. We are providing extra places and have a programme of replacing older nurseries with new high quality buildings. 

"The light, open design of these nurseries gives children the opportunity to express themselves and can only help stimulate them in such a fantastic learning environment."

(LM/MH)