Planning approved for new Clackmannanshire wellbeing hub and school

Situated to the west of Alloa, the innovative single-site development will combine a cutting-edge leisure and wellbeing hub with a purpose-built school supporting children with severe and complex additional needs.

The two-storey wellbeing hub will include swimming pools, a games hall, a fitness suite, and changing facilities that include accessible Changing Places toilets. Additional features include a café, an all-weather five-a-side pitch and a soft play area. Designed with the community in mind, the hub will also offer meeting spaces for health consultations, social gatherings, and meetings.

The single-storey school is designed to accommodate the existing school roll and a possible future increase to pupil numbers. 

It will feature bespoke classrooms, general-purpose spaces, hydrotherapy pool, dining area, kitchen, and a multipurpose room. The layout incorporates an enclosed courtyard between two classroom wings, providing outdoor learning areas and gardens, as well as a south-facing playground designed with a variety of play and learning features to enrich the pupils’ experience.

Sustainability is a key focus of the development, which has been designed to meet rigorous Passivhaus principles. This ensures exceptional energy efficiency by minimising heating and cooling requirements, reducing environmental impact, and lowering operational costs. The design also prioritises indoor air quality and thermal comfort using mechanical heat recovery systems. 

Active travel and sustainable living are further supported by new pedestrian and cycle paths. The building’s layout takes full advantage of the site’s natural shape, orientation, and stunning views towards the Ochil Hills and Stirling Castle, while retaining wooded areas to the east and north.

David Cairns, Regional Managing Director, Robertson Construction Central East, said: “Receiving planning approval is major and exciting step in realising Clackmannanshire Council’s ambitious plans to create an inclusive, community-centred project built to the highest standards of quality and sustainability.

“With a strong local supply chain and deep-rooted connections within the area, we look forward to working hand-in-hand with the local community as we move towards breaking ground.”

Councillor Scott Harrison, the Council’s spokesperson for sports, leisure and active living, said: “The Wellbeing Hub and new Lochies School, is a hugely exciting project for the Council which will provide inclusive, accessible and inspiring facilities with the aim of improving the quality of life for people across Clackmannanshire.

“I am pleased this ambitious project which also aims to deliver on innovation, sustainability and building design standards, has now received planning permission.

“I am eager to see it push on and make good progress over the coming months so we can deliver a wellbeing facility, including swimming provision, for the whole community and a much-needed modern ASN school for our young learners with the most complex needs.”

Gary Bushnell, Chief Executive, hub East Central Scotland, said: “This is a significant step in bringing this wonderful community facility to fruition. 

“We have been able to support Clackmannanshire Council throughout the process and we very much look forward to continuing that close working relationship as we head towards project delivery.”

Indicative Artist impressions by JMArchitects