Inverness schools’ contracts awarded

The Highland Council has awarded three contracts valuing £7.9 million in total for works at three Inverness schools which are expected to commence in April 2017.

A £3 million contract has been awarded to McGregor Construction at Cauldeen Primary School. The works will include the construction of an extension block for pupils with additional support needs, expansion of the nursery provision, a new multi-use games area, grass playing field and new access in addition to external improvements to the footpaths and car park.

At St Joseph’s Primary School, a £500,000 contract has been awarded to Morrison Construction for various works including the replacement and refurbishment of existing windows, the formation of a new visitors entrance and some internal alterations to ancillary accommodation. As the building is listed, a listed building consent had to be obtained for these works.

At Inverness High School, improvement works have recently been awarded to Morrison Construction. This is the first phase of the planned refurbishment of the school buildings, with the remaining works to be phased over the coming years.  Works being undertaken in this phase mainly comprise the refurbishment of classrooms in the front block of the main building, including the replacement of the original windows and upgrading of the electrical and heating installations. 

As the High School building is also listed, close liaison has taken place with Historic Environment Scotland regarding some specifications such as the window replacements and external render repairs. Listed Building consent has been obtained for the works.

The total cost of the current phase of alterations and refurbishment at Inverness High is £4.4 million and works are expected to start on site in April.

The projects are being funded by the Council’s Capital Programme on behalf of the Care and Learning Service and the projects are being designed and delivered by the Council’s Property Service.