Redesigned school to be built on old Newbattle High site

A new, redesigned Easthouses Primary School will be built on the site of the old Newbattle High School.

Improvements made

​At the full Council meeting (Tuesday 28 June), councillors noted improvements to the design of the two stream primary school and approved the £22.044 overall costs from the capital budget.

Pupil numbers

The school will provide places for 459 children, 16 places to support children with social, emotional or behaviour needs from across Midlothian, and 80 pre-school places.

Green energy

The new building will meet the council’s Net Zero aspirations and the Climate Emergency Declaration requirements.

Relieving pressure on other schools

Midlothian Council’s Cabinet Member for Education, Councillor Ellen Scott said: “The new school will be a high-quality and inspiring learning space for pupils, encouraging them to achieve their potential while also relieving pressures on surrounding schools, in particular Newtongrange Primary.”

Used Covid delay to make improvements

With the tender process delayed because of Covid, the council used the time to work with an independent design team appointed through Hub South East (HubSE) framework to refine the requirements.

Better facilities

The review has led to improvements including upgraded provision for children with Additional Support Needs, better use of dining space and measures to meet green energy standards. With a preferred contractor now in place, it is expected work will begin on site in April 2023 and be completed later in 2024.

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