Following the conclusion of the planning, design and procurement stages, construction began on the project in July 2023 to create a modern and flexible learning environment which will also provide versatile spaces for use by the wider community.

The project is being delivered by Hub South East, Scottish Borders Council’s development partner, with Morrison Construction as the main contractor. Since the start of the year, the primary steel frame of the structure has been inserted and construction of all the concrete floor slabs is also complete.

Work is now being undertaken to provide weather tightness to the main education areas of the facility and progress the external facades which comprise of a mixture of large glazing units, stone and metal cladding.

The internal fit-out of the building will also commence shortly meaning the external visibility and impact of the works will be minimised.

Information boards are placed opposite the existing main school building and facing onto Scott Park which are fully accessible to all. Here the contractor will share up-to-date information about the project and the community engagement being undertaken.

Internally, this modern learning space will see core teaching and community spaces arranged around a vibrant central spine through the building encouraging collaboration, creativity and socialising.

A variety of sporting facilities will also be included in the new build, featuring a swimming pool, 2G Hockey Pitch, 3G Rugby & Football Pitch, Grass Football Pitch, Tennis Courts and 100m Running track.

A significant re-imagining and expansion of Scott Park has been included within the plans for the school, with the provision of new play park facilities, additional greenspace and improved connections with Gala Policies and Gala Hill woodland.

Representatives of SBC, including local councillors, along with young learners from Galashiels Academy, attended a ceremonial event last month to witness first-hand the progress being made on the construction project.

Councillor Leagh Douglas, executive member for Education & Lifelong Learning, said: “After almost a year of construction completed on the new replacement for Galashiels Academy, I am delighted to see the physical building begin to take shape.

“Once open the new facility will be a truly transformational facility for young learners in the Galashiels region offering a well-balanced mixture of learning spaces and providing students with an education that will set them up for later life.”

Scott Brown, Hub South East’s project director, added: “The new Galashiels Academy is one of a number of inspiring learning estate projects we are delivering in partnership with Scottish Borders Council and it was fantastic to join the young people as they toured the site, seeing their enthusiasm and excitement for the build and hearing about what they were looking forward to in their new school.

“This visit not only showcased the great progress being made on construction, but allowed us to talk to the wider group about the positive social impact being made locally as a result of the project, including work experience, new jobs, apprenticeships and supporting community groups.”

Martin Maclennan, project director for Morrison Construction Building Central, said: “It was great to host representatives from Scottish Borders Council to the site of the future Galashiels Academy.

“Works at the site are progressing well, with the main superstructure complete, and we look forward to continuing our collaboration with all the stakeholders involved to produce a high-quality educational facility for the local community.”