The Dalbeattie Learning Campus, an ‘all through’ campus comprising nursery, primary, and secondary education set in an innovative, landscaped setting, has been named Best Social Infrastructure project at the prestigious international Partnership Awards at the Hilton Park Lane Hotel, London.
The learning campus was delivered for Dumfries and Galloway Council in a collaborative partnership approach with hub South West, the construction and infrastructure-focused partnership working with local authorities and national contractor, GRAHAM.
Dalbeattie Learning Campus, which was handed over in February to Dumfries and Galloway Council, is a major new community building within the town of Dumfries. It features multiple ‘learning bases’ which provide flexible and functional spaces aimed at a focus on lifelong learning and vocational qualifications as well as traditional school subjects.
The dinner, which took place on Thursday May 10, was attended by over 700 people to celebrate the best in Public/Private Partnership (PPP) projects. The Partnership Awards, now in its 20th year, is the largest event in the industry and covers projects across Europe, Africa and the Middle East.
Michael McBrearty, Chief Executive of hub South West, said: “This has been a fantastic evening, and a just recognition of the work hub South West, GRAHAM and Dumfries and Galloway Council have put into the Dalbeattie Campus, as well as a clear indicator of what can be achieved in partnership.”
The project, valued at £24m, saw 58% of all sub-contracting work packages going to local businesses as part of hub South West’s commitment to ensuring that local construction projects support businesses and employees within local communities.
As part of the project’s additional development benefits 13 delegates were upskilled, 2 graduates were recruited, 9 N and SVQ completions for subcontractors were achieved, and 17 work placements were secured.
Councillor Jeff Leaver, chair of Dumfries and Galloway Council’s Children, Young People and Lifelong Learning [CYPLL] committee, said: Providing the best start in life for all our children is a priority for our Council. So, I’m delighted that our Council is being recognised for the excellence of the first of our new learning campuses. Dalbeattie Learning Campus is a first class facility that is appropriate for the 21st century and transforming education in Dalbeattie.
Councillor Ros Surtees, vice chair, said: “The campus is fabulous, it’s bright and welcoming to learners. It looks like a fabulous place to be at school and I’m sure that the pupils are enjoying it. I’m delighted that it is being recognised nationwide and has won this award.”
Gary Holmes, GRAHAM Regional Managing Director of Building in Scotland said:
“Dalbeattie Learning Campus is a valuable asset for the region, the delivery of which was only possible through effective partnership working.
“During the development we went to great lengths to ensure we engaged with the community and that it benefited through access to jobs, apprenticeships, work experience and upskilling – all of which are very important to GRAHAM.
“We’re honoured this accolade has recognised these efforts.”
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