Construction of Clackmannanshire Council’s flagship learning, leisure and wellbeing campus in Alloa has reached a visible stage, with the building now largely wind- and watertight and elements of the internal fit-out underway. The development, scheduled to open next year, will bring new community spaces and energy-efficient school accommodation to the town.
What the new campus will deliver
The site will house a mixture of facilities intended for local use, including a Wellbeing Hub, community rooms, a café, play and social areas, flexible spaces for groups and services, and Lochies School — both the school and the Wellbeing Hub are being delivered to Passivhaus standards. Passivhaus is an internationally recognised approach to high energy efficiency that typically leads to lower running costs and reduced environmental impact.
- Community spaces: café, play and social areas, flexible rooms
- Wellbeing Hub: services and facilities centralised for residents
- Lochies School: new Passivhaus school accommodation
- Local benefits: jobs, supply-chain opportunities and skills development
Progress on site and partners involved
The campus project is being delivered through hub East Central Scotland, with Robertson Construction appointed as the main contractor. The wider project team includes a number of design and engineering practices working on architecture, structural, services and sustainability aspects.
| Role | Organisations |
|---|---|
| Delivery partner | hub East Central Scotland |
| Main contractor | Robertson Construction |
| Design & technical team | jmarchitects; Rankin Fraser; Blyth & Blyth; BakerHicks; ECD Architects; Egis |
Sources close to the project say the steel frame was completed earlier in the year and there was a steel-signing event to mark that milestone. Contractors report that sections of the internal fit-out have already started, signalling the move from structural work to the next phase of delivery.
“It is impressive to see how well the project is moving forward and the external structure now gives the local community real perspective on the significance of the new building.”
The comment came from Brian Craig, chief executive of hub East Central Scotland, who highlighted the visible progress and the anticipated long-term value the campus will provide to the area.
Local economic and social implications
Project partners have emphasised the campus is not only a building but an investment in local wellbeing and economy. Robertson Group’s chief executive described the scheme as the council’s largest infrastructure investment and said the contractor is seeking to keep as much expenditure as possible within the local supply chain. That approach aims to support jobs, develop skills and leave a tangible legacy in communities that will use the facilities.
For Alloa residents, a new Passivhaus school and centralised wellbeing services could mean more modern education spaces, lower energy demands in public buildings and improved access to health and support services locally. The inclusion of flexible community areas and a café also indicates opportunities for community groups and small enterprises to make use of the site.
As with any major public project, the next 12 months will be critical: the delivery team must complete internal fit-out, commission systems, and progress testing and handover to achieve the scheduled opening. Residents and local organisations will be watching closely as the campus transitions from structure to operational facility.
Clackmannanshire Council has indicated the campus is due to open next year; project managers and contractors say current progress gives confidence in meeting that timetable while delivering the sustainability credentials planners expect.
