The opening of Bearsden Early Years Centre – which has 95 places for 2-5 year-olds – following on from Lairdsland EYC in Kirkintilloch and Oakburn EYC in Milngavie which welcomed children in May.

The three centres are part of East Dunbartonshire Council’s commitment to deliver on the Scottish Government’s requirement for additional hours of early learning and childcare.

Delivered for the council through its delivery partner hub West Scotland, the new Centre with its striking design, offers children access to a number of flexible spaces where they can learn through play. Its fully-equipped playrooms feature the latest digital technology and an internal courtyard provides space for indoor and outdoor play with a show-stopping chute as a centrepiece.

The mezzanine level gives staff and children scope to turn it into anything their imaginations wish with lots of open space and natural light to enjoy. And there is free flow access to the outdoor garden area where children can develop their curiosity in the mud kitchen and natural resources with physical play.

The architect is Holmes Miller and Robertson Construction is the main contractor.

Chief executive officer of Hub West Scotland, Iain Marley, said: “We are thrilled that this high-quality learning environment is now available for the delivery of the 1140 hours nursery provision commitment. Oakburn forms part of an investment that has created a portfolio of four outstanding early learning and childcare facilities.

“These assets provide high quality learning environments that will help build skills and confidence and play a key role in children’s future development. Covid-19 has made this and other projects in construction particularly challenging so we are immensely proud of how well the combined East Dunbartonshire Council and hub team and our supply chain partners have worked together and deliver such a fantastic new facility.”

Managing director of Robertson Construction Central West, Stewart Preston, added: “The opening of the Bearsden Early Years Centre marks the completion of three successful new build deliveries through Hub West Scotland for East Dunbartonshire Council. The 1140 hours pre-schooling education commitment shown by the Council through innovative design and quality builds will benefit the local communities for years to come.

“We are proud to have been the construction partner of choice and look forward to continuing our positive collaboration with Hub West Scotland and East Dunbartonshire Council.”