Significant progress is being made in the work to create a new link road and prepare development platforms at the former Cockenzie Power Station site in East Lothian, with local school pupils and community groups already experiencing tangible benefits.

The first phase of enabling works, which commenced in September 2024, was completed a month ahead of schedule in March of this year. This involved the substantial task of transferring 175,000 cubic metres of earth – equivalent to the volume of 1,750 double-decker buses – from the bunds surrounding the former coal store, across the Edinburgh Road, to infill the void on the power station site.

Phase Two, which includes the construction of the new link road, is currently underway and has already generated positive social impacts within the local community. Phase Three, which is imminent, will involve the demolition of the remaining concrete towers, tunnels, and bridges, followed by the regrading of the coal store area into three distinct development platforms. All demolition material will be retained on site.

East Lothian Council's development partner, Hub South East, has appointed Balfour Beatty as the principal contractor responsible for delivering the project.

The ongoing work is providing valuable learning opportunities for local students. Two senior phase pupils from Preston Lodge High School are undertaking Foundation Apprenticeships in Business Skills, collaborating with the site team to produce a newsletter detailing construction progress. Furthermore, the live construction site has served as an educational environment, offering 30 S4 pupils insights into potential careers within the construction industry. Over 200 S1 pupils have also participated in site visits, gaining firsthand experience of urban regeneration and the challenges of sustainability.

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The benefits extend to the wider local community, with the site team actively engaging with East Lothian Connected Communities to support the Cockenzie and Port Seton In-Bloom group. This support has included the donation of equipment, the replacement of planters, and participation in local clean-up initiatives of community spaces.

Councillor Fiona Dugdale, East Lothian Council's Cabinet Spokesperson for Education and Children's and Family Services, commented: "It's great that our school pupils have been so involved in what is a key development site in East Lothian. There are so many learning opportunities here for them and they have had an overview of how much expertise is required in all aspects of large-scale development work. Hopefully many will be inspired by this in their education and career choices in the future."

Ian Bowd, Project Director with Hub South East, added: "It's fantastic to see excellent progress being made on site in Cockenzie as we support East Lothian Council with the transformation of the area for future redevelopment, ultimately enabling growth and benefiting the local economy. We're particularly proud of the social value being realised through this development already, demonstrating a wider local impact both socially and economically."

Douglas Mackay, Project Manager at Balfour Beatty, said: "We are pleased with the progress being made as we move to the next phases of this transformative project. From engaging young people through hands-on learning experiences to supporting grassroots initiatives, leaving a lasting, positive legacy in the local community is central to our role in shaping the future of this site and the wider area."

Works to progress the redevelopment of the former Cockenzie Power Station site are continuing, with the project expected to be completed by the end of 2025. The new link road will connect the Alder Road junction on the B6371 approach to Cockenzie with the existing B1348 road. A significant portion of the route will utilise an existing service road to the former coal plant and will feature a separate lane, largely set back from the main carriageway, to encourage safe walking and cycling.

The enabling works for the project are 90% funded by the UK Government and 10% by East Lothian Council, while the construction of the new link road is 100% funded by East Lothian Council.