Bid to keep 200 jobs in Midlothian with new vision of SQA headquarters

Published on Tuesday 23 September 2008 10:06

FIRST images have been unveiled of how the new Scottish Qualifications Authority building would look if it is kept in Midlothian.

The owner of the Shawfair Park development near to the Sheriffhall Roundabout has drawn up images showing how the SQA building would fit into the mixed use development.

The Scottish Government is currently looking at a new location for the examination board as the existing premises are said to have outlived their purpose. Shawfair, which is being developed by Buccleuch Property, is up against two west Edinburgh developments in the bid to house the new office and more than 200 staff.

Midlothian Council and local MSP Rhona Brankin have called for the jobs to be kept in Midlothian.

Commenting on making the final shortlist, Sandy Smith, development director at Buccleuch, said: "We are clearly delighted that Shawfair has made the shortlist.

"The creation of a bespoke building at Shawfair provides an ideal solution for the proposed relocation, being only half a mile away from the current location, and ensuring that the environmental impact of the move will be kept to a minimum."

The retention of the SQA in Midlothian was also set to be debated at a full meeting of Midlothian Council today.

Buccleuch Property (Shawfair) Ltd, is a trading company of Buccleuch Property and owners of the 70-acre Shawfair site, a new mixed use sustainable development, which provides a 'gateway' to the new South East Wedge proposals.

The proposed SQA building would include 40,000-50,000sq ft of office space, which would be expected to be available by the end of 2010.

The first phase of the 100 million business park will include offices, a Hilton Hotel and restaurant, Spire Hospital, crche, leisure and fitness activities.

Ms Brankin lodged a motion in the Scottish Parliament that said: "That the parliament is concerned by proposals to move the Scottish Qualification Authority's offices from Midlothian". It said that the SQA is a major employer in Midlothian, with more than 200 permanent posts, 67 per cent of which are currently filled by Midlothian residents. Ms Brankin's motion also stated that there are fewer than 20 employers employing over 100 people in Midlothian.

A final decision on the new office is expected in the coming months.