North Lanarkshire Council has approved planning permission for the development of a new community hub in Orbiston.

The new facility, located on Babylon Road, will provide modern facilities for Sacred Heart Primary School, Lawmuir Primary School, a Family Learning Centre (0-5 years) and a community centre (which will replace the Joe McKay Centre).

Councillor Angela Campbell, Convener of Education, Children and Families, said: "This is such good news and will be welcomed by so many people in the community including the 500 children who will attend each day.

"It is an ambitious project, which will provide pupils and teachers with a wonderful learning environment and also provide the local community with a range of high-quality outdoor spaces and indoor facilities."

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The key features of the new Orbiston Community Hub include:

The existing Lawmuir and Scared Heart Primary Schools will be replaced with modern, purpose-built facilities within the community hub.

A nursery facility will cater to the early learning needs of the community.

A dedicated community hall and learning spaces, providing opportunities for a wide range of activities and gatherings.

The project encompasses both free play areas and equipped play areas, including a school garden, to promote outdoor play.

A multi-use games area (MUGA) and a seven-a-side all-weather pitch.

Staff and visitor car parking facilities.

The hub will be set back from the edge of Babylon Road and has a clear focus on pedestrian and cyclist safety, with four-metre-wide pavements to encourage active travel to the hub.

Classrooms will be located at the northern end of the building, separated from the rest of the hub by outdoor 'quiet spaces’ including landscaped areas, free play areas and a school garden.

The football pitch will be accessible from Hamilcomb Road along with community open green space on the former site of Lawmuir Primary School.

Traffic management measures, including a mini roundabout at the junction of Babylon Road and traffic calming on Footfield Road, are being implemented to ensure safe access to the site.

The new hub is part of North Lanarkshire Council’s plan which prioritises investment in education, skills development, and employment opportunities to ensure residents have access to the resources they need to thrive.