Steel up for Midlothian community asset

More than 1,100t of structural steelwork has been erected for the Newbattle Centre in the former mining town of Easthouses, Midlothian.

The project consists of a state-of-the-art community hub and high school, all accommodated within a 15,714m² steel-framed complex.

Replacing an existing school, the Centre will provide a range of facilities to be shared between the school and the local community.

As well as a three-storey teaching block, the Newbattle Centre includes a library, fitness centre and gym, a 25m six-lane swimming pool, a sports hall and outdoor all-weather pitches.

The building is being delivered by Midlothian Council’s development partner, hub South East, and its appointed contractor Morrison Construction. Hescott Engineering fabricated, supplied and erected the project’s steelwork.

Designed by Cooper Cromar, the £30M project is expected to open in 2018 and will accommodate up to 1,200 pupils.

Morrison Construction’s Construction Manager Jeff Thornton said: “This is an exciting new development for the communities of Mayfield, Easthouses, Newtongrange and Gorebridge, and Morrison Construction is delighted to be a part of it.

“The Newbattle Centre will provide a fantastic, modern environment for the community to enjoy and a stimulating learning environment for both staff and pupils.”