Architects plan move north of the border.

Byline: Peter McCusker

NORTH East architects the Space Group is considering a move into Scotland after the successful completion of almost pounds 40m worth of education projects north of the border.

Space - which is based in Newcastle and has offices in Yorkshire and the North West - has joined forces with a consortium of building contractors to develop four new schools in Dumfries and Galloway.

It has designed new-build facilities to house Castle Douglas Primary School, Kirkcudbright Primary School, Wallace Hall Primary School and Academy and Stranraer Academy.

The first school to be completed is Castle Douglas Primary School with pupils moving in this month. The three other schools are set to receive their keys within the next six months.

And the increasing demand for its services north of the border has led to the firm to consider establishing a presence in a new location.

Space Group director Steve Brooks said: "It has been very exciting for us to work on such a large scale brief and one in which we were able to showcase our capabilities and strengths.

"We have a very strong reputation in the education arena, having worked on projects that have received national recognition. Space Group has worked on each of the four sites over the past four years, further strengthening its reach and reputation in Scotland and is now considering a more permanent base in the region."

The 200-strong practice, which was established in 1957, worked alongside three Northern Irish contractors: Farrans Construction, H and J Martins and the Patton Group.

Mr Brooks continued: "Space Group was appointed for its reputation in creating sustainable communities, in which a creative learning environment is at the heart.

"Every school has been designed with flexibility in mind - where every child can learn at their own pace and walk into a building that makes coming to school exciting and challenging.

"Our social responsibility is central to the business ethos, and we want our success to enable sustainable communities wherever we operate." Farrans' contracts manager Warren Wright said: "As with every major construction project, this one brought its own distinct set of challenges. From day one, it became clear that the scale of the project involved building new educational facilities that would be a big deal for the region, and that would receive a very high public profile.

"Space maintained the pace and balanced contractors' demands, providing information and expertise to bring value in a very competitive market. "