A brand new community hub for neighbourhood and library services in Craigmillar moves one step closer today with a sod-cutting ceremony to mark the start of construction work at the site.

The new East Neighbourhood Office and Craigmillar Library will be situated at the heart of the new Craigmillar Town Centre, serving the local neighbourhood in purpose-built accommodation that will replace a number of old and unfit premises that are no longer fit for purpose.

As well as bringing staff together from several Council departments and partner agencies, the building will provide a new community space, with a large modern library delivering a range of activities for all ages.

The new hub supports the ongoing regeneration of Craigmillar and will be a key focal point of the new town centre. It is due to open in early 2013.

The East Neighbourhood Office and Craigmillar Library is the second major Council project to be developed as part of the hub South East Scotland programme, following the start of work on the new Drumbrae Library and Community Hub in West Edinburgh earlier this year. Over the next ten years, projects worth approximately £300 million are expected under the Hub South East programme, which covers Edinburgh, Lothians and the Borders.

Council Leader Jenny Dawe said: "Today is a very exciting day for Craigmillar. This new facility will be a modern, fully-equipped and accessible community 'hub' which makes it convenient for local residents by offering a wide range of services under one roof. As well as contributing to the Council's Green Transport Plan, the building will be very cost effective to run - which is of crucial importance as we continue to face turbulent economic times."


Councillor Deidre Brock, Convener of Culture and Leisure, said: "We know that there was strong support in the local community for the new neighbourhood office to contain a library for the area, so I'm really delighted we've been able to meet this demand. Our libraries are much-loved and trusted sources of community information, and this latest facility offers a perfect example of our genuine commitment to Edinburgh's superb Libraries Service."

Cabinet Secretary for Infrastructure and Capital Investment, Alex Neil said: “The Scottish Government is maximising our capital spending this year to support infrastructure investment and jobs across Scotland. Projects such as this at Craigmillar are a vital part of that ongoing programme.

“The Scottish Future’s Trust and the City Council are to be congratulated on getting work underway on this excellent project in partnership with the private sector. It will deliver superb community facilities and provide strong support for the local economy.

“Westminster cuts mean the public purse here in Scotland is under real pressure. That is why we need creative, innovative approaches, like the project underway here at Craigmillar, to deliver maximum value for taxpayers money. The Scottish Government will go on supporting work like this to ensure communities across the country can enjoy similar benefits.”

Paul McGirk, Director of hub South East Ltd, added: "There's a big sense of satisfaction that work starts today. We have been involved in the development of this project for over a year during which time we have worked closely with City of Edinburgh Council and the design team to create a modern facility that will benefit the staff and service delivery in the Craigmillar community.

"This is the second project to start construction for City of Edinburgh Council and we are pleased that the local authority sees hub as an attractive procurement route for public buildings. This unique partnership between the private and public sectors allows us to develop new facilities more quickly, more effectively, and with more time and cost certainty than ever before."

GRAHAM Construction has been appointed main contractor on the project.

Executive chairman at GRAHAM Construction, Michael Graham, said: "We are looking forward to delivering this excellent project on behalf of hub South East Scotland and anticipate it becoming a valuable resource for the community in Craigmillar and residents of the wider east end of Edinburgh.

"With our work on the Royal Commonwealth Pool progressing well, this latest contract demonstrates GRAHAM Construction is delivering some of the most high profile and keenly anticipated projects in the Capital."

(GK)