Orbiston Community Hub, Bellshill

A Landmark Facility Co-Designed With The Community

We are proud to announce the handover of the Orbiston Community Hub, a pioneering facility developed in partnership with North Lanarkshire Council, hub South West and Morgan Sindall. This project marks a significant milestone in the Council’s wider regeneration strategy, which reimagines traditional school buildings as inclusive, multi-purpose spaces that serve the entire community.

A Collaborative Vision

Following an initial feasibility study for Sacred Heart and Lawmuir Primary Schools, Keppie Design was appointed to lead the design of the new Community Hub. Central to our approach was a commitment to co-design, working with the community rather than simply for them. Over a four-month Intelligent Briefing process, we engaged extensively with pupils, parents, staff, local groups and residents, through a series of in-person and virtual events. This collaborative effort shaped a shared vision and strategic framework for the new facility.

A Space For Learning and Living

The Orbiston Community Hub accommodates approximately 700 pupils across Sacred Heart and Lawmuir Primary Schools. Dedicated learning zones for each school are complemented by shared spaces including e-learning suites, multi-purpose rooms, dining area, gymnasium and drama facilities. The building also houses a new family learning centre, community learning and development (CLD) spaces and community amenities.

Designing with Purpose and Sustainability At the Core

Extensive site analysis and stakeholder engagement informed every aspect of the design, from building placement to infrastructure planning. Early collaboration with statutory authorities ensured alignment with planning and transport requirements. Sustainability was a key driver from the outset. Working closely with North Lanarkshire Council, we developed a strategy aligned with their goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2030. As certified Passivhaus designers, we applied a fabric-first approach complimented by parametric analysis to optimise building form, orientation, and energy performance. Initial assessments of embodied carbon were also undertaken, reflecting our commitment to responsible, future-focused design.

A Foundation for the Future

The Intelligent Briefing process laid a strong foundation for the Hub’s future success. Close collaboration between the client, contractor and wider design team, during design and construction phases was key to translating this vision into a practical and inspiring building. Through open communication, shared goals, and a commitment to quality at each stage, the project team worked together to deliver a space that meets the needs of its users. We look forward to seeing the building utilised by young people and the wider community for years to come.

Sustainability

Through this process, we worked closely with North Lanarkshire Council to establish a sustainability approach for the project, which has been integrated into the ACRs. This included an assessment of base line builds, current projects and future aspirations for Carbon Neutrality by 2030. In addition to this, using our understanding as accredited Passivhaus designers, we have analysed where incremental improvements can be made and how a fabric-first approach can deliver the required target energy criteria.

Parametric analysis was carried out on the various massing forms developed through this period, assessing position on site, gains, losses, form factor and orientation. This has enabled us to refine the design and review its position on the site while still considering the requirements of a tandem build approach. We are also exploring unique site-specific energy solutions to reduce heating energy demands. In addition to exploring how to reduce operational energy we have also undertaken initial embodied carbon assessments.

While this is very much linked to project budget and affordability, it is a significant part of our design ethos and approach to a more sustainable construction industry.

Intelligent Brief

The success and level of detail developed during the Intelligent Brief process provides a robust foundation to the project as we move through the detailed design and delivery phase of this project in collaboration with the contractor, while maintaining open, regular and meaningful communication with the project stakeholders.