hub South East Scotland has announced that the replacement Galashiels Academy school building project will proceed to the construction phase following the conclusion of the planning, design and procurement stages of the project.

The new state-of-the-art school will see the creation of a modern and flexible learning environment which will also provide versatile spaces for use by the wider community.

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 variety of sporting facilities will also be included in the new build, featuring a swimming pool, 2G Hockey Pitch, 3G Rugby & Football Pitch, Grass Football Pitch, covered Tennis Courts and 100m Running track.

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As part of the plans to provide a replacement tennis facility along with the new school, a funding application has been submitted to Tennis Scotland to add an all-weather covering.

The proposal to relocate Galashiels Academy to a site comprising the existing school site and part of the town's Scott Park was confirmed at June's meeting of the Scottish Borders Council following a statutory consultation with the local community.

A significant re-imagining and expansion of Scott Park has been included within the plans for the school, with the provision of new play park facilities, additional greenspace and improved connections with Gala Policies and Gala Hill woodland.

Following on from an extensive process of market testing which has taken place over a period of months to determine the cost of construction, the project budget for the school is now £ 64.5 million.

Scottish Borders Council has appointed Hub South East as a development partner for the project who will oversee the project throughout the construction phase alongside primary contractor Morrison Construction.

The project remains on track to be completed and open to students by December 2025.