Hub South West and Morgan Sindall have begun construction work on a new community hub in Coatbridge.

The new hub will bring together two primary schools, Carnbroe PS and Sikeside PS along with an early years class. Pupils from both schools joined the education convener, contractors and local councillors at the new development area on the former Calder community centre site.

The project will provide for a capacity of up to 534 pupils and 50 early learning and childcare places. The two-storey building will provide extensive natural lighting along with engaging and flexible learning spaces.

It will also include an 11-a-side all-weather playing surface, extensive landscaped and outside teaching facilities which are designed to provide what those behind the project describe as a country like park feel. The facilities will be available to the wider community outwith the school day.

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Councillor Frank McNally, Convener of Education and Families said: "It was great to have pupils from the two schools at the site so they could see for themselves construction work starting on their new school and community hub.

"This new state-of-the-art hub will provide a fantastic learning environment for pupils and teaching staff and will provide excellent facilities for the wider community to enjoy.

"We have a clear goal to ensure that our youngest residents have the very best start in life and we are committed to replacing every establishment not rebuilt or remodelled since 1996.Integrated town hubs and the smaller community hubs will modernise our school estate and offer multiple services from the council and our partners, including the third sector."

Both school communities will be involved in choosing the name for the new hub and the new school. The £24.8m community hub project is anticipated to be completed by the summer 2023.