The new Orbiston Community Hub in Bellshill was declared officially open at a special event on Tuesday 10 March.
The £43 million community facility on the town’s Babylon Road brings together Sacred Heart Primary School, Lawmuir Primary School, the Orbiston Family Learning Centre, and a modern community centre in one shared location.
The impressive new building first welcomed hundreds of pupils and staff from both schools when it opened its doors in November last year, with children exploring their bright classrooms, outdoor play areas and shared learning spaces.
During the opening pupils from Lawmuir and Sacred Heart joint choir entertained guests by singing the hit song “A Million Dreams”, from the musical The Greatest Showman.
Provost Kenneth Duffy unveiled a plaque to mark the opening, helped by house captains from both schools.
From Sacred Heart Primary, Maddie, Eilidh, Marchl and Fionnula took part. From Lawmuir Primary, Katrina, Ava, Eve and Kasey also helped with the ceremony.
Two nursery children, Ella Grace and Emily, joined them for the special moment.
“It is a real privilege to officially open the Orbiston Community Hub. This magnificent new facility brings education, families and community services together in one place,” said Provost Duffy.
“It will provide a modern, inspiring environment where children can learn and thrive, while also creating a welcoming space for the wider community.”
The hub includes high-quality indoor and outdoor sports facilities, landscaped playgrounds, a community hall and shared learning areas.
Sandra McLean, Head Teacher of Sacred Heart Primary School, Tracy Hurst Head Teacher of Lawmuir Primary School and Vicky Porter Head of Orbiston Family Learning Centre all spoke about the positive impact the new building has made on the children.
It has been designed with sustainability in mind and is North Lanarkshire Council’s first fully electric town and community hub, delivering a significant reduction in carbon emissions and energy use compared with the previous school buildings.
Councillor Anne McCrory, Vice Convener of Education, Children and Families thanked everyone who helped deliver the project.
She said many teams and partners played an important role, including the council’s Forward Plan Team, Hub Delivery Team, colleagues from Asset and Procurement, Education and Families staff, and Facility Support Services.
She also thanked Hub South West and the main contractor Morgan Sindall, along with the design and engineering teams including Keppie Design, RSP, Curtins, Hurst Landscaping and Doig and Smith.
Councillor McCrory also recognised the contribution of all the school and nursery teaching and support staff.
She added that the biggest thanks should go to the pupils, parents and carers who showed patience and resilience during the move to the new hub.
With capacity for around 600 primary pupils and up to 85 children in the nursery and family learning centre, the hub will serve as a central space for education, support services, sport and community activities.
The project forms part of North Lanarkshire Council’s wider Town and Community Hub Delivery Programme, which aims to improve local facilities and create modern spaces for learning and community life.
Since the hub opened late last year it has been used by 129 groups delivering events and activities for hundreds of local people in the community to enjoy.
Work is underway will now begin to demolish the former school buildings to make way for a new multi-use games area and additional parking.