Playtime returns to former school – more than a year after it was demolished

When pupils left the old Earlston Primary School in Soft Croft Park in February last year the buildings were demolished.

Children moved into a new £16m-plus community campus close by.

Now plans have been approved to convert the former primary school site into a ‘Destination’ playpark.

Scottish Borders Council had submitted a planning application to its own planning department.

In her report approving the application, Julie Hayward, SBC’s lead planning officer, states: “The proposal is to install a new play park on the site, consisting of a wide variety of play equipment, benches and bins.

“The area would be surfaced with safety material of various colours and enclosed by a 1m high bow top fence and 1.8m wire mesh fencing, both in Moss Green, with 1.8m close boarded fencing to the adjacent bin stores.

“Proposals will result in the sustainable reuse of brownfield land including vacant and derelict land and buildings.

“The application site was occupied by the primary school, which has now been demolished and the site cleared.

“The proposal would provide a new use of this area of land that would benefit the community.

“New play provision should provide stimulating environments and a range of play experiences including opportunities to connect with nature; be inclusive; be suitable for different ages of children and young people; be easily and safely accessible by children and young people independently, including those with a disability.

“The proposed play park would be a large, destination play area located centrally within Earlston, adjacent to the new primary school and houses along High Street and within the new Eildon Housing Association development.

“It would be well connected to the surround area by footpaths. The facility would provide a wide variety of play equipment for different age groups, including a sensory area, inclusive play equipment, picnic tables and seating.”