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Proposed redevelopment plans to replace the existing Galashiels Academy with a modern community campus facility delivering wide ranging education and community benefits have been submitted to Scottish Borders Council.
After consulting closely with the local community throughout 2021, the plans detail the development of a transformational campus offering open-plan and modern learning environments which will also provide a variety of versatile spaces for use by the wider community.
The new Campus will be built largely within the existing school boundary and a portion of the town's Scott Park.
Internally, this modern learning space will see core teaching and community spaces arranged around a vibrant central spine through the building encouraging collaboration, creativity and socialising.
A swimming pool and extensive sports hall facilities will be located to the shared main entrance with extensive external sports facilities including a 2G hockey pitch, 3G rugby & football pitch, grass football pitch, covered tennis courts and 100m running track.
Externally, a significant re-imagining and expansion of Scott Park is proposed, with the provision of new playpark facilities, additional greenspace and improved connections with Gala Policies and Gala Hill woodland.
The project is being delivered by Scottish Borders Council's development partner, Hub South East Scotland, in partnership with contractor Morrison Construction and architect JM Architects.
If planning permission is granted, work is due to start on site in Galashiels in summer of 2023, with completion due in 2025 and demolition works of the existing school to follow.
Scott Brown, Hub South East's Project Director: "We are excited to reach this key milestone in the project, allowing us to further progress the development, design and construction of this new campus for Galashiels.
"Community consultation has been key in shaping the vision for this new campus and we look forward to working with Scottish Borders Council and our contractor Morrison Construction, to bring these plans to life, delivering a modern facility which supports a 21st century curriculum for pupils and is an asset to the local community."
