In August 2017 the Scottish Government’s Schools for the Future Programme announced the latest wave of investment, part of which would go towards improving school and community provision in Jedburgh.

The plans would combine three local schools as part of a space that could be used by the whole community. Delivering the project generated 18 employment opportunities, 46 apprenticeships, 13 work placements and hundreds of thousands of pounds for the local economy. 

Adding local value and impact to project delivery by working for the community

The project was run by Hub South East Scotland for Scottish Borders Council. They appointed BAM to design and construct the new intergenerational campus, which would replace all three of the town’s existing schools - Parkside Primary, Howdenburn Primary and Jedburgh Grammar - as well as providing a dedicated ASN unit.

There would also be provision for the community in the shape of a new library, café, meeting and hall space and sports pitches and facilities for the whole town to use.

As part of that plan, Project Manager David Brodie regularly attended and presented at Jedburgh Community Council meetings, keeping the local community informed and aware of progress with plans and on site.

Over the course of the project, David and the entire team volunteered in, supported, and contributed to various community projects and charities, like creating additional parking spaces for Parkside Primary School, and donating more than 200 toys to the Borders Mission Christmas Toy Drive. They also made donations to the Borders College Charity Golf Tournament in support of the ‘My Name’s Doddie’ Foundation and to the costs of the pipe band at the Jedburgh Games.

Community collaboration extended to the local schools, with Jedburgh Grammar’s STV news team being offered frequent access to the project and site management teams so they could document the entire construction process.