THE first stage in building a new high school in Hawick is on the agenda after a formal planning bid was submitted to Scottish Borders Council.

Glasgow-based architects Stallan-Brand have formally requested a Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) over the proposed replacement of Hawick High School in Buccleuch Road.

Peter Magnus, an associate with Stallan-Brand, says in his submission: “The proposal is for the rationalisation of the existing school campus and erection of a new high school building on the existing site.

“The proposal will also include new or enhanced hard and soft landscaping, internal paths, service access, car parking, and drop-off areas.

“It is proposed that all works will be carried out within the existing school grounds as a tandem build arrangement.”

Education provision in the Borders is going through a transformational period, with several school projects ongoing or in the pipeline.

Work has started on the construction of a new £64.5m Galashiels Academy in Scott Park and on a new Peebles High School, at the cost of £61m.

Stallan-Brand is also the company behind the design of the award-winning Jedburgh Intergenerational Community Campus.