The first school procured through a new Scotland-wide Government-backed hub initiative is currently being built. The hub reflects an evolving national approach to the delivery of new community infrastructure, investment into which is expected to be valued at more than £1.4 billion over the next 10 years.

A major difference from the past is that the hub brings together relevant community partners from the planning stage with a particular emphasis on providing joint services. This allows members of education, health boards, local authorities, police, fire and rescue services together with a private sector development partner to create a more co-ordinated approach. The end result being delivery of multiple community facilities and services to the public in one place and at best value. Alex Neil, Cabinet Secretary for Infrastructure and Capital Investment recently visited the first hub school.

“It is incredibly exciting for me to visit the Haddington Joint Campus today and see the work on the campus get underway. I find it very special to be able to welcome to the site some of the pupils who will attend the school and benefit from the facilities.

We are making real and meaningful investment in communities across the country. Scottish Government supported capital investment will be 25 per cent higher in 2014-15 than in 2011-12, supporting jobs and stimulating growth in line with our Economic Strategy. The hub scheme, including the Haddington campus, has been developed by the Scottish Futures Trust, on behalf of the Scottish Government.

Overall investment in the ‘Scottish Schools for the Future’ programme, also managed by the Scottish Futures Trust, will be £1.25 billion and the First Minister recently announced a third phase of additional projects. These projects have been made entirely possible by the efficient and effective management of infrastructure investment in Scotland.

Recent figures reveal that 82 per cent of Scottish school children are now being taught in good quality buildings. This is a marked improvement from the figure of 62 per cent in 2007.

We want schools fit for purpose for every child in Scotland and we will help Local Authorities to achieve this aim.

Investing in schools and our young people is vital for the future of Scotland. It is right that our children are able to reach their full potential in an environment that enhances their learning.”

Alex Neil MSP,
Cabinet Secretary for Infrastructure and Capital Investment

Related:
Hub programme on the Scottish Futures Trust website.
Hub Southeast Scotland - the company responsible for the new school.