Good progress being made on site at Easthouses Primary

With the steel framework just about completed, the new Easthouses Primary is on schedule to be open by August 2024.

Midlothian Council’s Cabinet Member for Education Councillor Ellen Scott visited the site with Secretary of Mayfield and Easthouses Community Council, Judy Thompson.

Cllr Scott heard how the foundations were in place, drainage work was finished and the next phase will see concrete slabs formed on the ground and first floors followed by the installation of the external walls and roof.

She said: “When we came for the sod cutting in May, this was just a cleared, empty space. The progress made in what seems like a short space of time is incredible.

“We’re looking forward to it welcoming its first pupils in August of next year.”

The new primary, on the site of the old Newbattle High School, will be able to take 459 children. There will be 16 places to support children with Additional Support Needs (ASN) from across Midlothian, and 80 pre-school places.

Two wings will be linked by a shared space with dining facilities, a multi-purpose hall, an arts/movement space, offices and support facilities.

The school, being delivered by the council’s development partner Hub South East, has been designed by jmarchitects and is being built by Morrison Construction.

Andrew Thornton, Hub South East’s Project Director said: “We’re delighted with the progress being made on site for the new Easthouses Primary – with the steel structure almost complete, it’s really taking shape.

“As the plans for this modern new learning space come to life, we look forward continuing to work in partnership with Midlothian Council and ensuring not only a high quality build, but that we deliver real social value during construction, with opportunities for local individuals and businesses to get involved and benefit from this investment in their area.”

Billy Gray, Framework Director for Morrison Construction Building Central, commented: “It’s fantastic to see the progress that the site team have made at a relatively early stage of this project. This new building for Easthouses Primary School is set to be a high-quality facility that will make real difference for both students and staff.”

The Mayfield and Easthouses and Newtongrange community councils have been heavily involved in the consultation process and will continue to work with Hub South East, Morrison Construction and other stakeholders, including Midlothian Council, to help identify and realise community benefits for the local area during construction.