The multi-million-pound facility brings together a primary school, nursery class, Language and Communication Support Centre, as well as community facilities.

On 21 October, children arrived keen to see their new surroundings, such as contemporary classrooms, outdoor play areas and sports facilities.

Accessed from Woodneuk Avenue, the building has a two-storey teaching block centred around a double-height atrium. The space includes dining facilities, a PE hall, shared activity areas and multi-purpose rooms.

David MacDonald, chief executive officer, hub South West, said: “Delivering ambitious public infrastructure requires more than technical expertise; it demands a shared vision, strong collaboration and an unwavering focus on the people who will ultimately benefit.

“Through our work with North Lanarkshire Council and BAM, Gartcosh Community Hub demonstrates how effective partnership can turn public ambition into a tangible, lasting asset for the community.”

The move had been a memorable day for pupils, staff and families, according to the head teacher Alison McFarlane.

McFarlane said: “Seeing the children arrive with so much enthusiasm and excitement has been wonderful.

“The new community hub provides outstanding facilities that will inspire learning, creativity and achievement for years to come.”

McFarlane added: “We are incredibly proud to begin this new chapter for Gartcosh Primary School and look forward to making many happy memories here.”

P6 pupil Isabella said: “I couldn’t wait to see the new school and it’s even better than I imagined. The classrooms are amazing, and there is so much space for everyone.”

Her classmate Elayna said: “My favourite part is the playground and sports areas. It’s really exciting to be one of the first pupils to come here.”

Councillor Michael McBride, convener of education, children and families, said: “The opening of this fantastic new community hub demonstrates our commitment to providing the very best learning environments for our children and young people.

“It is wonderful to see pupils enjoying these first-class facilities from day one. The hub will not only support educational excellence but will also serve as an important resource for the wider community for many years to come.”

The North Lanarkshire Disability Forum, the Tackling Poverty Team, Families Here and Now, Carers Together, and Community Learning and Development are among the local organisations using the hub, giving advice, information and practical help for residents. 

The hub will also deliver accommodation for a variety of community groups, such as an out-of-school care service, an art class, Scouts, a playgroup, a parents and toddlers group, as well as a steel guitar group. 

The hub could potentially be home to a wide range of health, learning and recreational activities, including community health walks, family learning sessions, fitness classes, music and art programmes, and wellbeing kitchen sessions.

The new Gartcosh Community Hub will have capacity for 434 mainstream pupils, 60 pupils in the Language and Communication Support Centre (LCSC), as well as 48 nursery children.

Last year, construction of the hub started after a turf-cutting ceremony attended by council representatives and project partners.