Clackmannanshire Council’s vision for a state-of-the-art wellbeing hub and new school took a major step forward this month as contractor, Roberston Construction, started enabling works on the site at The Pavilions in Alloa West.

The Wellbeing Hub and Lochies School project, which was recently granted planning permission, aims to deliver a facility on a shared campus which is inclusive, accessible, inspiring, and which brings people and communities together to improve their health and wellbeing and quality of life for generations to come.

The Wellbeing Hub will feature a blend of indoor and outdoor spaces, including swimming pools, fitness suites, multipurpose rooms, a sports hall, and five-a-side pitch, as well as a café, consultation, meeting and conference spaces, and a range of accessible indoor and outdoor social spaces.

And the new Lochies School will provide facilities for learners with severe and complex needs.

The school development has been granted 50% of the costs through the Scottish Government Learning Estate Investment Programme.

A large parkland on the site will offer a range of specifically designed spaces to support individuals with their physical and mental health, such as areas for rest, socialising, and informal and organised exercise and will connect to existing paths and active travel routes.

In line with Clackmannanshire Council’s commitment to achieving net zero by 2040, the project’s energy-efficient design, following sector-leading Passivhaus principles, will ensure that the building has a minimal environmental footprint.

Councillor Scott Harrison, spokesperson for sports, leisure, and active living, said: “The Wellbeing Hub and new Lochies School, is a hugely-exciting project for the council which will provide inclusive, accessible, and inspiring facilities with the aim of improving the quality of life for people across Clackmannanshire.

“I am pleased this ambitious project which also aims to deliver on innovation, sustainability and building design standards, has now received planning permission.

“I am eager to see it push on and make good progress over the coming months so we can deliver a wellbeing facility, including swimming provision, for the whole community and a much-needed modern ASN school for our young learners with the most-complex needs.”

The project is being managed for Clackmannanshire Council by hub East Central Scotland with Robertson as the main contractor. The team also includes JM Architects, Blyth & Blyth civil and structural engineers, and BakerHicks as mechanical and electrical engineers.

David Cairns, regional managing director at Robertson Construction Central East, said: “Receiving planning approval is major and exciting step in realising Clackmannanshire Council’s ambitious plans to create an inclusive, community-centred project built to the highest standards of quality and sustainability.

“With a strong local supply chain and deep-rooted connections within the area, we look forward to working hand-in-hand with the local community as we move towards breaking ground.”

Gary Bushnell, chief executive of hub East Central Scotland, added: “This is a significant step in bringing this wonderful community facility to fruition.

“We have been able to support Clackmannanshire Council throughout the process and we very much look forward to continuing that close working relationship as we head towards project delivery.”