Reflecting on its successes and acknowledging the strength of the partnership and collective efforts behind this, the annual report covering the two years 2021/22 and 2022/23 showcases the flexibility and breadth of services available through the Hub model and looks forward with excitement to a new year embracing enhanced offerings such as social housing and project funding.

Since 2010 Hub South East has completed more than 100 new or refurbished facilities, ranging from healthcare and supported accommodation to educational and community facilities. During this two-year reporting period from April 2021, the Hub team worked on the completion of projects totalling £137m, with more than £278m in construction and development, including the successful delivery of Scotland’s first LEIP secondary school at Wallyford, assisting with West Lothian Council’s RAAC issues and developing an exciting new Mountain Bike Innovation Centre in the Borders.

In addition to this, as a true development partner, Hub supports its clients in service delivery transformation and is increasingly providing a range of strategic services, from supporting East Lothian Council with its Learning Estate Improvement Strategy, and Midlothian Council with its Strategic Investment Framework, to housing site feasibility in West Lothian and the development of Herdmanflat in East Lothian.

Hub South East is also keen to ensure wider economic gain and increased community wealth building, so maximising the social value delivered through its projects is key. This has resulted in 514 new jobs, 682 apprenticeships and more than 5,500 work placement days to date. And with 84% of construction work packages being awarded to Scottish SMEs, the use of local businesses ensures recycling of the local pound.

Paul McGirk, Hub South East’s chief executive, said: “Thank you to all partners who have contributed to our achievements in such challenging times. More than ever, infrastructure investment will play a vital part in creating a sustainable economy and supporting the country’s ability to meet its policy objectives, especially around net zero, place making and inclusive economic growth.

“Through Hub South East, our Clients already have the ideal vehicle to deliver this and, moving ahead, we look forward with excitement to the future, further cementing our position as their Development Partner of Choice.”