Scottish Hub Programme Delivers £2.24 Billion of Learning Estate Infrastructure

As development partners with public sector clients across the country, Scotland’s five regional hub companies have delivered 144 learning estate projects worth £2.24bn, including early years, primary and secondary education facilities, with a further £402m under construction and £721m in development.

For the sixth year since the conference’s inception, and as key supporters of the event, all five public-private partnership bodies will come together for the two-day Learning Places Scotland conference on 14 and 15^th November at the SEC Glasgow. Exhibiting, as well as sponsoring part of the evening Awards where a number of hub projects are shortlisted, allows the hubs to showcase their success in creating modern, high quality, inspiring learning spaces, as well as highlighting their experience in providing strategic support to clients’ educational estate strategy and infrastructure investment plans.

Wider impact will also be a key theme, as the programme in Scotland delivers significant positive social impacts and community benefits, ensuring a lasting legacy beyond construction. All of the hubs have adopted a social value approach to their projects that boosts economic impact and sustainability in the communities they serve. 80% of hub contracts are awarded to Scottish SMEs, supporting over 6,500 jobs and generating almost 1300 new apprenticeships.

Speaking on behalf of all hubs, Paul McGirk, Hub South East’s Chief Executive and Hub North Scotland’s Board Chairman, said: “The Hub programme has an extremely impressive track record in the education sector, having successfully delivered some of the country’s most inspiring and innovative learning spaces for our public sector clients, helping enhance the learner journey for many thousands of Scotland’s young people.

“As a true development partner, key to our success is a focus on assisting clients to deliver against Scottish Government policy priorities of net zero, place and inclusive economic growth, and the Learning Places Scotland conference provides an excellent opportunity to showcase our achievements. I am delighted that we are collectively supporting this year’s event and we look forward to an exciting programme where we can learn from across the industry, contribute to workshop debates and share best practice.”

Thanks to the facilitation of the hub programme, PEEK (Possibilities for each and every kid), a Glasgow based charity that works closely with hub West, will be the beneficiary of fundraising at the conference awards dinner.

Learning Places Scotland is the leading event for Scotland’s learning estate, held in partnership with the Scottish Government – an annual forum bringing together all those involved in developing innovative educational buildings and inspirational learning environments.  This year’s event is held under the title ‘Connecting Learning Environments with Learning Experiences’. Jenny Gilruth, MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills, will give a keynote address at the conference on day two.