Townsfolk go behind the scenes at Jedburgh’s new campus site

Site manager David Brodie with a group of Jedburgh residents.

With just one year to go until the £32m Jedburgh Intergenerational Community Campus opens to pupils, the project took part in the construction sector’s Open Doors Day yesterday.

Those lucky enough to secure a spot enjoyed a tour of the build both inside and out with BAM Construction’s project manager David Brodie and were given the chance to ask questions about the school.

Bruce Dickson, regional director at BAM Construction, said: “The level of interest in this project has been exceptional and is exactly the reason why we support the Open Doors initiative.

A group of Jedburgh residents are given a tour of the new intergenerational campus as as part of Open Doors Day.

“It’s our opportunity to showcase what the construction industry does and how it does it long before the keys get handed over and the building opens.”

BAM says good progress is being made on the school, which will hold up to 700 pupils from 2 to 18 years old and replaces the existing Jedburgh Grammar and Howdenburn and Parkside primary schools, as it begins to install mechanical and electrical services and take forward the fit out works.

It is being delivered by Scottish Borders Council, development partner Hub South East Scotland and appointed main contractor BAM Construction.

Scott Brown, Hub South East’s project director said: “It’s fantastic to see how engaged local people are with the new campus in Jedburgh.

“Doors Open Day has allowed members of the community a sneak peek inside this innovative new facility and feedback has been incredibly positive.”

A public vote on what the new campus’ name is due to open next month, after a shortlist from the 80 suggestions is drawn up.

Scottish Borders Council’s leader, Shona Haslam, added: “Open Doors Day was completely sold out in just a couple of days, which once more highlights the excitement within the Jedburgh for the new intergenerational community campus.

“This is such an important project for Jedburgh and the council, and I am pleased pupils and staff of the Grammar, Parkside and Howdenburn schools are also getting the opportunity to see round the new campus ahead of their move next year.”

The new campus will have provision for nursery, primary and secondary school children, and community facilities will include a multi-use games area, 2G hockey pitch, 3G sports pitch, running track, external changing pavilion and rural skills area.

The funding for the new campus was confirmed by Deputy First Minister John Swinney in August 2017, as one of four projects to share £28m from the latest phase of the Scottish Government’s £1.8 billion ‘Schools for the Future’ programme.