GRAHAM Construction has started works to build a new multi-million pound Blackburn Partnership Centre.

The new £8.2 million centre, which will create a hub for council, health and community services in the village, will be located next to the Mill Centre.

Blackburn Partnership Centre is a partnership between West Lothian Council and NHS Lothian. Hub South East Scotland is delivering the project.

GRAHAM Construction regional development director, Craig Bridges, said: “This state-of-the- art facility will be a real attribute to people in the West Lothian region and an excellent addition to local health services.

“The Blackburn Partnership project will create an accessible centre for the community, the second of three we will be completing in partnership with Hub South East Scotland and NHS Lothian.

“We have significant experience of delivering modern health-care projects across Scotland and are pleased to be reaching this important milestone.”

Brian Houston, chairman of NHS Lothian, said: “I’m delighted that work is now progressing on The Blackburn Partnership Centre. It is one of three new health and social care centres in Edinburgh and West Lothian, which are designed to provide a one-stop shop for health and council services in the heart of the communities.”

Richard Park, operations director for Hub South East Scotland, the council and NHS Lothian’s development partner, said: “As a Hub project, once complete, not only will it provide modern, high quality facilities for the people of Blackburn, it will also have also delivered a number of community benefits for the local area.”