This last week has seen industry and peer recognition for two projects delivered for West Lothian Council and East Lothian Council by their development partner, Hub South East. Beatlie School Campus and Wallyford Learning Campus scooped awards and commendations at both the Learning Places Scotland (LPS) Awards and the Glasgow Institute of Architecture (GIA) Awards.
Beatlie School Campus in West Lothian was given the much-coveted LPS Project of the Year (Inclusive Design) Award, as well as winning for Pupil Experience in recognition of the positive impact the new building has had on the wellbeing and learner journey of its young people. At the GIA Awards it also received a commendation in the education category.
The new £15.7m Beatlie School Campus is a sector leading ASN provision for young people aged 3-18 with severe and complex needs, with dedicated accommodation for partner agencies, including a NHS Child Development Centre.
Delivered for West Lothian Council by Hub South East, with Morrison Construction the main contractor and design by NORR, Beatlie is a special place requiring a bespoke solution. The new building, which opened in August 2023, offers a range of first-rate facilities meeting the needs of every child, including rebound therapy and life skills, sensory spaces and links with nature, with each area having outdoor access. Utilising assistive technology, its inclusive design facilitates greater independence and was designed to be intuitive, joyful and stimulating. Crucially, Beatlie’s young people are thriving in their new learning space.
West Lothian Council’s Depute Chief Executive Dr. Elaine Cook said:
“We are delighted to see Beatlie School Campus receive this fantastic award. Beatlie is a very special school, and this superb new custom-built facility will allow us to deliver quality education and care that the pupils deserve.
“Thanks to Hub South East, Morrison Construction, NORR Architects and everyone who helped deliver this outstanding project.”
Wallyford Learning Campus in East Lothian was Highly Commended in the LPS Project of the Year category, as well as being commended in the education category at the GIA Awards.
Delivered for East Lothian Council by Hub South East, with Morrison Construction the main contractor and design by jmarchitects, the new £41.7m Wallyford Learning Campus is a state-of-the-art facility at the heart of its community which brings together the newly-established Rosehill High School with further education partnerships, library and community centre. It was designed to offer inspiring, multi-use spaces that benefit learners and the wider community, creating employment pathways, a vibrant digitally enabled learning environment for young people and adults and opportunities for multi-generational and inter-agency service delivery.
East Lothian Council’s Cabinet Member for Education and Children’s and Family Services Councillor Fiona Dugdale said:
“The strategic vision for Wallyford Learning Campus was for a place for community to meet and learn together. We are delighted to see this being realised. These awards are testament to the hard work and dedication of all partners to creating a truly exceptional facility that is already delivering significant benefits for the people of Wallyford and for the wider area.”
Paul McGirk, Hub South East’s Chief Executive added:
“We’re delighted with the recognition for Beatlie School Campus and Wallyford Learning Campus – both demonstrating true partnership working, innovative design, quality construction and ultimately positive outcomes for young people. Our thanks and congratulations go to all parties involved in these fantastic projects.
“Hub South East has a proven track record of success in the education sector and we are proud to have been entrusted with the delivery of almost £500m of projects for our public sector clients, with nearly the same amount currently under construction or in development. Our commitment to ensuring that new community infrastructure is aligned with our clients’ aspirations around net zero, place and local wealth creation, has led to positive partnerships and we look forward to further developing these on future projects.”
Both Beatlie School Campus and Wallyford Learning Campus were developed with council investment and funding from the Learning Estate Investment Programme (LEIP), a joint initiative between Scottish and Local Government.