WORK to build a new multi-million-pound state-of-the-art education and community campus in Clydebank has officially begun.

Earlier this week the first sod was cut by Councillor Clare Steel and Councillor David McBride who jointly broke the ground at St Joseph’s Primary School in Faifley where the facility is being built.

The campus will cost £35 million and will take over just two years to complete.

It is being funded through the Scottish Government’s Learning Estate Improvement Programme in partnership with Hub West Scotland, Holmes Millar Architects, and Morrison Construction.

The new campus will include St Joseph’s and Edinbarnet Primary Schools, Auchnacraig and Lennox Early Learning and Childcare Centres, an additional support needs base, an education resource centre, community facilities to replace the Skypoint Centre, and a new community library.

Councillor Steel, convener of educational services, said: “This new campus will enhance learning for generations of children and young people in Clydebank.

“It will be the most significant capital investment ever made within this community. While the current buildings have served the people of Faifley well, I am pleased to see this investment in the new learning and community facilities which will be a real improvement for the young people and the community as a whole.

“I am keen to see work starting on this project, which will be important not only to children and young people but to the whole area due to the community spaces available on the site.”   

The grounds will have an all-weather sports pitch and an external multi-use games area for outdoor sports.

There will also be a generous playground to enhance opportunities for physical activity among the pupils.

The buildings will be of a contemporary design and will provide a landmark feature in the heart of Faifley.

Materials which will be used are said to be inspired by the historic Cochno Stone which is a large cup and ring-marked rock sited within the area.

Stephen Long, senior associate director at Scottish Futures Trust, said: “The Faifley Campus is a fantastic example of collaboration, bringing together a range of facilities and services to provide the best support for all learners, teachers and the wider community.

“Scottish Futures Trust recognise the creative, inclusive and ambitious approach of all partners in this project and is delighted it has reached this key milestone.”

Iain Marley, Hub West Scotland’s chief executive, added: “We are delighted to see the excellent progress being made on site following an extremely positive pre-construction period with our valued development partner, West Dunbartonshire Council.

“The new state-of-the-art facility will deliver a range of first-rate education facilities that meet the needs of every child and improve services for local people by co-locating education and community facilities under one roof.

“The project is already bringing significant value and benefits to the local community and we are committed to ensuring that the project leaves a lasting legacy for the Faifley community.”