Council awards contract for second phase of Lochaber High School redevelopment
The Highland Council’s investment in Lochaber High School will rise to £15.1 million with the award of a contract for the latest phase of the redevelopment of the school.
Lochaber councillors met at the school today (Monday) to view progress in the transformation of the 900-pupil school and to mark the award of the new contract to Morrison Construction.
Staff and pupils are delighted with the modernisation and expansion of the school.
The new contract will incorporate:
• the refurbishment of rooms to create new business studies, computing and ICT suites;
• home economics kitchens and classrooms;
• pupil support base and an adaptive kitchen;
• music and rehearsal rooms and a practical science laboratory.
In addition to this, new technology workshops and a graphic communications/ICT suite will be constructed.
Already completed is the installation of state-of-the-art tiered seating which allows the assembly hall to be transformed into a major performance area. Further works to upgrade the assembly hall are scheduled for summer 2010.
In January, the school was given access to the first suite of refurbished classrooms and offices. Bespoke ‘learning walls’ have been installed in each of these classrooms, allowing all aspects of learning and teaching to benefit from the latest advances in technology.
Grass pitches which will form new shinty and football pitches and an athletics track have now been created bringing much needed additional sports facilities to the school and community. Seeding will take place in the spring.
Part of the former hostel building has now been redeveloped to form a self-contained house for the school janitor. In addition to this, staff accommodation has been created for up to four members of staff. This is a very welcome addition to school facilities to encourage and assist staff to move to the area. All of this area has been renamed ‘Camaghael House’.
The new Sports and Drama centre is making excellent progress. By May, pupils and staff will have access to the first part of what will be one of the best facilities of its kind in Scotland. The wider community will also benefit from this new facility.
Councillor Michael Foxley, Leader of the Council’s Administration, said: “The change to the interior is spectacular. Lochaber High School will soon have some of the best sports facilities in Scotland and a greatly improved learning environment. We are determined to ensure the High School upgrade is completed.”
Head Teacher Jim Sutherland said: “Staff and pupils are delighted that such good progress is being made in each of the phases of the redevelopment. It is an exciting time to be at Lochaber High School with so many changes underway and all are looking forward to the benefits that state of the art facilities will bring to the school and wider community.”
Donald McLachlan, operations director for Morrison Construction said:
“We believe passionately in teamwork and the award of this latest contract, our third at the high school, is a compliment of the highest-order for all those involved.”
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