Work To Begin at Wellbeing Hub and Lochies School Site

Clackmannanshire Council’s ambitious vision for a state-of-the-art wellbeing hub and new school took a major step forward this month as contractor Roberston Construction started

enabling works on the site at The Pavilions in Alloa West

The Wellbeing Hub and Lochies School project aims to deliver a facility on a shared campus which is inclusive, accessible, inspiring and that brings people and communities together to improve their health and wellbeing and quality of life for generations to come.

The Wellbeing Hub will feature a blend of indoor and outdoor spaces, including swimming pools, fitness suites, multipurpose rooms, sports hall and five-a-side pitch, as well as a café, consultation, meeting and conference spaces and a range of accessible indoor and outdoor social spaces.

The new Lochies School will provide state of the art facilities for learners with severe and complex needs. The school development has been successful in being granted 50% of the costs through the Scottish Government Learning Estate Investment Programme.

The large parkland on the site will offer a range of specifically designed spaces to support individuals with their physical and mental health, such as areas for rest, socialising and informal and organised exercise and will connect to existing paths and active travel routes.

In line with Clackmannanshire Council’s commitment to achieving Net Zero by 2040, the project’s energy-efficient design, following sector-leading Passivhaus principles, will ensure that the building has a minimal environmental footprint.

Councillor Scott Harrison, the Council’s spokesperson for sports, leisure and active living, said: “The Wellbeing Hub and new Lochies School, is a hugely exciting project for the Council which will provide inclusive, accessible and inspiring facilities with the aim of improving the quality of life for people across Clackmannanshire.

“I am pleased this ambitious project which also aims to deliver on innovation, sustainability and building design standards, has now received planning permission.

“I am eager to see it push on and make good progress over the coming months so we can deliver a wellbeing facility, including swimming provision, for the whole community and a much-needed modern ASN school for our young learners with the most complex needs.”
The project is being managed for Clackmannanshire Council by hub East Central Scotland with Robertson as the main contractor, JM Architects, Blyth & Blyth civil and structural engineers and BakerHicks mechanical and electrical engineers.

David Cairns, Regional Managing Director, Robertson Construction Central East, said: “Receiving planning approval is major and exciting step in realising Clackmannanshire Council’s ambitious plans to create an inclusive, community-centred project built to the highest standards of quality and sustainability.

“With a strong local supply chain and deep-rooted connections within the area, we look forward to working hand-in-hand with the local community as we move towards breaking ground.”

Gary Bushnell, Chief Executive, hub East Central Scotland, said: “This is a significant step in bringing this wonderful community facility to fruition.
“We have been able to support Clackmannanshire Council throughout the process and we very much look forward to continuing that close working relationship as we head towards project delivery.”