Construction of new Peebles High School to commence this Autumn

Construction of the new Peebles High School building will commence this Autumn following the conclusion of the initial enabling works at the site.

Councillors agreed unanimously at a meeting of Council last Thursday to proceed with the construction phase of the project with a date for breaking ground to be confirmed at a later date.

Enabling works have been ongoing at the school site since late last year and are nearing completion.

The extension to the existing sports block including new changing rooms and gymnasium, which were lost to the 2019 fire, was completed in time for the start of the new academic year and is now being used by the school students.

Other elements of the initial works including the installation of a 3G pitch and running track are nearing completion and are scheduled to be finished by mid-September.

Following the conclusion of an extensive engagement exercise within the local community earlier in the year, several revisions have been made to the design and layout of the main building based on the feedback received.

The amendments include a larger and fully enclosed hall with performance space and an increase to the number of enclosed teaching spaces.

Councillor Simon Mountford, Executive Member for Estate Management and Planning said: “The reality of a new school for Peebles following the devastating fire of 2019 feels closer than ever and I’m sure members of the school community and residents of the wider area will be as delighted as I am to know that construction of the main building will begin this year.

“It’s absolutely imperative that we deliver this school on time and that students and local residents alike can benefit from this state-of-the-art multi-functional facility.

“This represents a major strategic investment for the whole Tweeddale area and will undoubtedly benefit the wider community for decades to come by transforming the lives and opportunities available to those who live locally.”

Scott Brown, Projects Director for Hub South East said: “I’d like to congratulate all parties involved in the successful handover of the sports block extension, which was ready for pupils to use on their recent return to school.

“We’re excited to be progressing to the next stage in this development and look forward to completing the remaining enabling works and starting main works on site. This project will deliver a new inspiring learning space for pupils and will be an asset for the wider local community, further cementing the strong partnership between Hub South East and our partners in Scottish Borders Council.”

Malcolm Keillor, Construction Director at BAM, said: “We’re looking forward to starting the next phase of this exciting project, to create a sustainable, modern new school for Peebles which will inspire students and provide a fantastic facility for the wider community.

“We will continue to support the community, working with local businesses and suppliers to deliver the new school sustainably and with maximum benefit to the local area. Peebles High School is the second school we have delivered in the Scottish Borders, having successfully delivered the award-winning Jedburgh campus in 2020.”