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Scottish Qualifications Authority
01/03/2010
Plans to relocate the SQA's Midlothian accommodation from Dalkeith to new, fit-for-purpose facilities at Shawfair Park, also in Midlothian, have been given the go ahead.
The SQA has been exploring options for addressing its current outdated and inefficient accommodation at Ironmills Road in Dalkeith for some time, a task made difficult by the rapidly changing property market. The decision announced today by Minister for Skills and Lifelong Learning Keith Brown will enable SQA to move into modern accommodation that meets the organisation's needs for future years and remain based in Midlothian..
SQA will lease 54,950 square feet at Shawfair Park from Buccleuch Property, on a 15 year lease. Construction is to be completed towards the end of 2011 with an expected move in date shortly thereafter.
Mr Brown said:
"The SQA is in a key position within Scottish education, as the body responsible for the assessment and development of qualifications. This role is all the more important as we embark on a time of ground-breaking change through our new approach under Curriculum for Excellence.
To work as effectively as possible, SQA need facilities that are fit for the 21st century, something that would not have been the case within the current premises at Ironmills. I'm pleased therefore that a move to new facilities at Shawfair is being progressed, which will position the SQA well for the future."
Dr Janet Brown, Chief Executive of SQA, said:
"Our existing Dalkeith premises were built in the early 1970s and are now unsuited to our future needs. We are delighted to have secured permission from the Scottish Government to relocate to the Shawfair Business Park, which is close to our existing office.
"We are entering a very exciting period for our Midlothian operations as we improve our services for Scotland's learners, helping to equip them to face the challenges of the 21st century. Our occupancy of a new energy-efficient and sustainable building will help us to deliver the best possible service."
Sandy Smith, Development Director at Buccleuch Property, said:
"With SQA taking a pre let of circa 55,000 sq ft at Shawfair Park, we believe this acts as a real sign of confidence and optimism within the marketplace. This is one of the biggest property deals to take place in Scotland in recent years and well and truly puts Shawfair Park on the map, while demonstrating that Scotland is showing real signs of emerging from the doldrums.
"Over the past two years, Buccleuch Property has worked closely with the Scottish Government to deliver a commercially viable office solution to meet the Government's needs and naturally we are delighted that Shawfair Park has fully met their expectations."
The SQA is the national body in Scotland responsible for the development, accreditation, assessment, and certification of school-level qualifications.
For several years SQA has been exploring options around the accommodation of its operations based at Ironmills Road, Dalkeith. Following detailed negotiations between the Scottish Government, SQA and Buccleuch Property, agreement has been reached for new leased accommodation at Shawfair Park,. The move is subject to planning application approval by Midlothian Council.
Key considerations throughout negotiations have been to ensure that the building is deliverable on time and within the budget, whilst recognising the need to achieve high energy efficiency and sustainable rating. SQA will take possession of the building in time to ensure operational stability prior to the delivery of the 2012 exam diet and in advance of the delivery of new qualifications for Curriculum for Excellence.
Shawfair Business Park is located just outside Dalkeith in Midlothian and (when complete) will provide approximately 400,000 square feet of Grade A office space along with hotel and ancillary facilities to support the businesses that locate there.