A Campus Connected by Community
Galashiels Academy in the Scottish Borders brings learning, sport and community facilities together in one inspiring building.
Located within Scott Park, Galashiels in the Scottish Borders, Galashiels Academy brings together a replacement 1000 pupil secondary school, specialist ASN facilities, public swimming pool, sports facilities and community spaces within a single civic destination. Designed for Scottish Borders Council under phase 2 of the Scottish Government’s Learning Estate Investment Programme (LEIP) the project’s defining idea is a shared community campus that supports learning, recreation and everyday community life. Positioned carefully within its parkland setting, the building strengthens links to neighbouring green spaces, promotes active travel and establishes a strong civic connection to the adjacent town centre.
A central spine forms the organisational focus of the building, bringing teaching areas, social spaces and community facilities together along a clear internal route. This shared circulation space creates opportunities for informal learning, gathering and interaction throughout the day while providing intuitive wayfinding across the campus. The arrangement supports both the daily life of the school and out-of-hours community use, with the swimming pool and sports accommodation positioned close to the main entrance to encourage easy public access. The result is a building that balances the needs of pupils, staff, community users and visitors while maintaining a strong sense of connection between the different spaces.
Natural light and connection with the external landscape play an important role in shaping the experience of the building. Generous glazing and open internal volumes help create bright learning environments with views towards, and from, the surrounding parkland. The campus is designed to support a healthy indoor environment through a combination of passive design measures and low-energy strategies, reflecting the ambitions of the Learning Estate Investment Programme. Materials are used to create a welcoming and durable environment suited to both educational and community use. Students benefit from inspiring learning spaces that support independence, creativity and a positive day-to-day experience.
Beyond its educational role, the campus acts as a shared resource for Galashiels. Community sports and leisure facilities compliment the teaching spaces, extending activity beyond the school day and encouraging lifelong learning. The wider landscape proposals reimagine and expand Scott Park, introducing improved recreation spaces, stronger pedestrian connections and opportunities for outdoor activity. Together, building and landscape create a long-term investment in the town, reinforcing community identity and supporting future generations.
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