Scottish Borders Council’s development partner Hub South East will oversee the project through the various development phases.

Following the appointment, the contractor has started familiarising themselves with the project, the approved plans and engaging with all relevant stakeholders.

The development will consist of a two-storey education block and a single storey pavilion housing the health centre linked by a central shared reception which includes a community library, a community café and multi-use shared spaces.

Situated on the site of the old school, the new building will boast high quality external spaces for play and community use with improved access routes installed to provide safer routes connecting children with their homes and the school.

As well as state-of-the-art educational facilities, the building will provide extensive benefits to the wider community by bringing care and wellbeing services brought to the heart of the community along with learning and social facilities.

Earlier this month planning approval for the development was granted allowing further planning, design and development of the project to be undertaken.

Alongside this, a further phase of consultation with the local community is planned to talk through the approved designs.

A face to face in-person public meeting will be held on Monday 20 June at Earlston Primary School Hall between 2pm and 8pm where council officers will present both the approved planning drawings and the phasing plan for the key stages of the development.

It will also offer the opportunity for members of the community to ask any questions relating to the development.

Councillor Leagh Douglas, executive member for education and lifelong learning, said: “The appointment of Morrison Construction is an important milestone in the progression of this major development which will completely transform and modernise the education, medical and community facilities on offer in Earlston.

“As a council, we are extremely familiar with Morrison Construction through their involvement as tier 1 contractor for Galashiels Community Campus. This coupled with their experience delivering high quality projects of a similar scale made them the standout option.

“As the Earlston project progresses at pace, we are extremely keen to engage once again with the public on the approved plans and receive their feedback. The arranged public in-person meeting held in the school hall will provide that perfect opportunity and I would encourage as many members of the community as possible to attend.”

Roddy Clark, Hub South East’s operations director commented: “Hub South East is proud to continue its positive working relationship with Scottish Borders Council, following the delivery of the award winning Jedburgh Grammar Campus. Together, we’re currently developing inspiring learning estate in both Galashiels and Peebles and this new project in Earlston is further demonstrable evidence of our successful partnership.

“This is an exciting development including education, health and community facilities in one modern campus. We look forward to working with Morrison Construction to make these plans, at the heart of the community in Earlston, a reality and we would encourage locals to attend the upcoming meeting to find out more.”

David Ewing, managing director of Morrison Construction Building Central, added: “We are delighted to be working once again with Scottish Borders Council and our long-term partners at Hub South East.

“We have a strong track record in producing multi-disciplinary developments such as this one at Earlston, which are absolutely vital to deliver services for local people. We look forward to working with the community and all the stakeholders involved to create fantastic new facilities that serve the needs of all the different user groups for years to come.”

Construction work on the development is due to start later this year with an initial demolition phase followed by the main building works.

The online consultation space which features exhibition boards detailing the project and a digital video of what the facility would look like is still available to view.