(Image: McLaughlin & Harvey)
Pupils and staff have moved into a new building at Wester Hailes High School in Edinburgh, replacing four separate teaching blocks with a purpose-built facility designed to accommodate 800 pupils.
Constructed by McLaughlin & Harvey, the new building features an open atrium connecting classrooms and departments, alongside breakout and quiet areas on each floor for studying, socialising or taking time out.
Wester Hailes High School overhead external view. (Image: McLaughlin & Harvey)
Warm colours and light wood finishes have been used throughout the interiors to create a welcoming environment.
An existing building on the site, which houses catering, sports and swimming facilities, has been retained and refurbished. It will serve as a secure community hub, providing accessible services while prioritising user safety.
Wester Hailes High School classroom. (Image: McLaughlin & Harvey)
Edinburgh Leisure reopened the upgraded leisure facilities earlier this month.
The school also includes flexible, collaborative spaces designed to benefit pupils, staff and the wider community.
Members of the public will be able to tour the new facilities during an open evening on Tuesday, Oct. 27, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Wester Hailes High School breakout space. (Image: McLaughlin & Harvey)
The final phase of the redevelopment will involve demolishing the old school buildings to make way for outdoor learning areas, an urban woodland and a community allotment with growing beds, polytunnels and picnic benches.
Landscaping improvements will also provide safer access to the school from the Union Canal towpath.
Wester Hailes High School pedestrian canal link. (Image: McLaughlin & Harvey)
The building has been constructed to Passivhaus standards, which aim to reduce the need for active heating and cooling. Additional measures have been incorporated to improve air quality and thermal performance.
The project forms part of the second phase of the Scottish Government’s Learning Estate Investment Programme and aligns with the national Learning Estate Strategy.
Read more
Councillor James Dalgleish, City of Edinburgh Council’s convener for children, education and families, said: "Opening this new school building is a major landmark moment for pupils, staff and the wider community in Wester Hailes.
"I’m really impressed with the quality of the spaces, and the building is all set to provide a modern, sustainable learning environment designed to support young people for generations to come.
"This investment is about more than just education.
"We’ve created a valuable community asset, bringing together learning, sport and support spaces in one accessible location.
"Through our Living Well Locally approach, we’re creating a hub that will help strengthen and serve the community for many years ahead."
Dougie McCusker, construction director at McLaughlin & Harvey, said: "It’s fantastic to see pupils and staff enjoying the new building.
"Having been designed and constructed to Passivhaus standards, the facility futureproofs the school’s estate for generations to come.
"Operationally, we faced the challenge of building the new facility while the school was still open and in close proximity to the construction works, however, we were able to ensure disruption was kept to an absolute minimum.
"The hard work by the whole project team, the designers, consultants and the client was definitely worth it when you see the cutting-edge building in use today."