The first day was buzzing with excitement as pupils explored their new classrooms, outdoor play areas, and shared learning zones.

“It’s amazing,” said Noah, a P1 pupil at Sacred Heart Primary School. “I like the playground space the best,” he added.

Amy, a P7 pupil at Lawmuir Primary School, added: “It’s really great — everything about it: the lunch hall, the outside space, and the classrooms. Everyone is so excited.”

The £43 million state-of-the-art facility, located on Babylon Road in Bellshill, includes two primary schools, a Family Learning Centre for children aged 0–5, and a new community centre, which replaces the Joe McKay Centre.

The new facility has a clear focus on serving the wider community. It features extensive facilities, including a new community hall, high-quality indoor and outdoor sports facilities, and landscaped playgrounds.

The Orbiston Community Hub is North Lanarkshire Council’s first fully electric town and community hub, delivering a 90% reduction in carbon emissions and a 60% reduction in energy consumption compared to the previous school buildings.

The two primary schools now have a combined capacity for around 600 pupils, while Sacred Heart and Orbiston Family Learning Centre can accommodate up to 85 children.

Tracy Hurst, Head Teacher of Lawmuir Primary School, said: “Everyone at our school is excited to move into our new school building within the Orbiston Community Hub. 

“The building offers a modern learning environment which will inspire every pupil to realise their full potential. 

“The outstanding facilities throughout the hub will be a valuable asset for the whole community, in the heart of the community – fostering community spirit and connection for many years to come.”

Mrs Sandra McLean, Head Teacher of Sacred Heart Primary School, added: "Sacred Heart Primary and nursery are delighted to join the Orbiston Community Hub.

“This modern, inclusive space will nurture learning, wellbeing, and community spirit. It offers exciting opportunities for children and families to grow together, while fostering strong connections and a shared sense of pride across our wider community.”

Councillor Michael McBride, Convener of Education, Children and Families, shared his enthusiasm: “This is a proud day for Orbiston. This magnificent new hub provides a modern, inspiring environment where children can thrive, and families can come together. It will also provide the wider community with so many fresh and exciting opportunities.

“It’s a clear reflection of our commitment to delivering the very best for our young people and creating spaces that support learning, wellbeing, and community spirit.”

Lawmuir Primary School pupil Arlo said, “The classrooms look amazing, and I’m looking forward to making new friends from Sacred Heart and seeing my friends from nursery again.”

Maddie, a pupil from Sacred Heart, added, “It’ll be great not having so many stairs to climb in the new school!”

Stephen Conroy, Community Hub Coordinator for Orbiston, said: “The new hub will enable us to bring together a more integrated range of information, support, and services. The new community spaces will offer a variety of council services, health and family support sessions, sport and activity classes, and much more to people in the local area.”

For more information, contact: orbistoncommunityhub@northlan.gov.uk

Work will now begin to demolish the two former school buildings to make way for a new multi-use games area and additional car parking.

The new hub is part of North Lanarkshire Council’s wider Town and Community Hub Delivery Programme, which aims to transform local infrastructure and enhance opportunities for education, recreation, and social connection.

Other projects currently underway include St Kevin’s Community Hub in Bargeddie, St Stephen’s Community Hub in Coatbridge, Gartcosh Community Hub, and an extension to Chryston High School.