The Lasswade Centre in Midlothian links a new exceptional learning environment with an assortment of community facilities, within a building that is uplifting, vibrant and full of light. Constructed for a complement of 1500 pupils, the four-storey building has been constructed on the existing sports pitches, with state-of-the-art all weather sports facilities being created on the site of the existing school. The education and community wings are linked at a hinge point which forms the main entrance to the entire hub facility and incorporates a large welcoming hall with a reception, café, exhibition space, library and crèche. The school design is based on a learning hub concept with the school’s teaching spaces wrapped around a bright and open central atrium which combines teaching, learning, and social space. The community wing provides two sports halls, a 25m pool, dance studios, fitness and weights suites, squash courts, offices, conference suites, and a Gymnastics Academy which will provide a centre of excellence for gymnastics within the East of Scotland. Maurice McCann,Midlothian Council commented:“Cooper Cromar has produced a building that is inviting, uplifting and cleverly executed, linking a bright and stimulating learning environment with an assortment of community facilities that will inspire and benefit all who use it.” Together with Eastwood High School in Newton Mearns, The Lasswade Centre is the first exemplar secondary school to be built as part of the £1.25bn Scottish Futures Trust (SFT) Schools for the Future programme.