The first phase of enabling works started in September 2024 and was completed in March this year, a month ahead of schedule. It involved the transferring of 175,000 cubic metres of earth (the equivalent of 1,750 double decker buses) from the bunds surrounding the former coal store, across the Edinburgh Road to infill the void in the power station site.

Phase Two includes the construction of the new link road in which several community benefits have already been produced. This has demonstrated positive wider social impact being made locally.

Phase Three is imminent and includes demolition of the existing concrete towers, tunnels and bridges then regrading of the coal store into three development platforms. All material will remain on site.

East Lothian Council’s development partner, Hub South East, appointed Balfour Beatty to deliver the project as principal contractor.

The project is supporting opportunities across the curriculum, with two senior phase pupils from Preston Lodge High School undertaking Foundation Apprenticeships in Business Skills, having worked with the site team to create a newsletter on construction progress. The live site has also been used as an educational setting, offering 30 S4 pupils an insight into careers in construction. More than 200 S1 pupils have taken part in site visits, allowing first-hand experience of urban regeneration and sustainability challenges.

The wider local community is also benefiting as the site team have been working closely with East Lothian Connected Communities to support local community group Cockenzie and Port Seton In-Bloom, donating equipment, replacing planters and getting involved in local tidy-ups of community spaces.

Cabinet spokesperson for Education and Children’s and Family Services, Councillor Fiona Dugdale, said: “It’s great that our school pupils have been so involved in what is a key development site in East Lothian. There are so many learning opportunities here for them and they have had an overview of how much expertise is required in all aspects of large-scale development work. Hopefully, many will be inspired by this in their education and career choices in the future.”

Ian Bowd, project director with Hub South East, added: “It’s fantastic to see excellent progress being made on site in Cockenzie as we support East Lothian Council with the transformation of the area for future redevelopment, ultimately enabling growth and benefiting the local economy. We’re particularly proud of the social value being realised through this development already, demonstrating a wider local impact both socially and economically.”

Douglas Mackay, project manager at Balfour Beatty, said: “We are pleased with the progress being made as we move to the next phases of this transformative project. From engaging young people through hands-on learning experiences to supporting grassroots initiatives, leaving a lasting, positive legacy in the local community is central to our role in shaping the future of this site and the wider area.”

Works to progress the redevelopment of the former Cockenzie Power Station site are ongoing, with completion due by the end of 2025.

The new road will link the Alder Road junction on the B6371 approach to Cockenzie with the existing B1348 road. Much of the route will follow an existing service road to the former coal plant and be complemented by a lane, largely set back from the main roadway, to encourage safe walking and cycling.

The enabling works are 90% funded by UK Government and 10% by East Lothian Council, with the link road 100% funded by East Lothian Council.