The new hub, designed to support learning for current and future pupils, also provides accommodation for various community groups. It houses St Stephen's Primary School, a nursery class, a Language and Communication Support Centre (LCSC), modern indoor and outdoor sports facilities, and landscaped playground areas.
Head Teacher Martine Watt expressed her delight, stating, “It has been a really special day. The children were so excited to see their new classrooms and have settled in brilliantly.” She added, “We are very grateful to everyone who helped to make this happen, and we are looking forward to using the new building to give our pupils the best possible start.”
“"It is wonderful to see pupils enjoying their first day at St Stephen's Community Hub. This is a building that gives children first-class facilities to learn and play in, and gives the local community a place to come together. I wish all the pupils and staff every success in their new home."
Local organisations including the North Lanarkshire Disability Forum, the Tackling Poverty Team, Families Here and Now, Carers Together, and Community Learning and Development will utilise the hub, offering advice and support. The building also has the potential to host health, learning, and recreational activities such as community health walks, family learning sessions, and fitness classes.
The two-storey teaching block, accessed from Sikeside Street, features dining facilities, a PE hall, shared activity areas, and multi-purpose rooms. St Stephen Primary School currently has 297 pupils enrolled, with capacity for 367 mainstream pupils, 66 in the LCSC, and 50 nursery children.
The project was designed by Ryder Architecture and built by Morrison Construction, appointed by Hub South West on behalf of North Lanarkshire Council. David MacDonald, CEO of Hub South West, commented, “We believe that great places help create stronger communities. Seeing St Stephen's Community Hub open its doors to the children for the first time is a fantastic moment and a reminder of why projects like this matter.”
St Stephen's is part of the council's town and community hub programme, following similar openings this year at Orbiston, St Kevin's, and Gartcosh Community Hubs. An extension to Chryston High School is expected to open early next year.
