£0.356m Borders College Hawick Campus Innovation Hub Project redevelopment contractor appointed

Ogilvie Construction Limited (based in Stirling) has been awarded the contract for the redevelopment of the  in Buccleuch Road.

The project will see the Campus, which was opened in 2007, reconfigured to accommodate the Innovation Hub, which is being launched as part of investment by the South of Scotland Economic Partnership (SoSEP).

As well as hosting the successful Business Development Unit, who provide business and training opportunities for businesses across Scotland, the investment will see the launch of a number of forward thinking technological developments, which both local and national businesses will be able to benefit from. These include the expansion of a partnership with Worcester Bosh, allowing access to renewable technologies in the provision of heat and power. Added to this there will be an ‘Eco’ room which will house the latest technologies in low-carbon and sustainable construction, linked to flexible workshop areas for the studying and testing of renewable technologies, such as air tightness insulation and thermal imaging.

The Hub will give local and national businesses the opportunity to find out about, and be trained in, technologies that are transforming the construction industry, and will include 3D printing, augmented reality, Business Information Modelling (BIM) software, analytical software and the use of drones.

Commenting on the exciting developments, Davie Lowe – Assistant Principal at the College – said:

“The SoSEP investment is a real shot in the arm for the construction industry in the Borders. This project will allow local and national businesses to find out about, and be trained in the latest technologies and best practice currently being adopted within the construction industry and at the same time see what the future will hold in terms of construction and sustainability.”

Borders College Vice Principal (Finance and Corporate Services) Hazel Robertson commented:

“This redevelopment really is a continuation of the fantastic work that has being going on in the Hawick Campus for many years. Our Business Development team has operated successfully providing training solutions to local and national businesses, as well as managing our community provision, for some time now, with an annual turnover of 1.3 million pounds. This investment shows our long-term commitment to the Hawick Campus and the exciting and flexible ways in which businesses need to learn to operate if they are to compete successfully in the 21st century.”

Ogilvie Construction will commence building work in April 2019 and have a completion date of July 2019. The work includes extending the upper floor of the building and creating flexible spaces for businesses and individuals to meet and attend training and information courses.