Contrary to earlier reports the new High School in Portobello will now open a few months behind the initial completion date, but ahead of the revised date announced recently. The expected delay was down to a problem with water drainage. Now the council’s team, the contractors Balfour Beatty and Scottish Water have all got together to ensure that the flow of the project is not interrupted any more than necessary.
This will be the council’s largest secondary school with state of the art teaching arrangements and indoor and outdoor sports facilities. Members of the public can book these outside school hours. All of this is designed to compensate for the loss of the park where this school has been built. There are all weather pitches and a swimming pool, meaning that pupils can get all sports lessons on site.
Pupils were given a special guided tour earlier today with Headteacher Ruth McKay and Education Convener Councillor Paul Godzik when the announcement was made.
Cllr Godzik said: “I am sure that parents, pupils and staff will be as delighted as I am that we have brought forward the date of the school opening to October.
“Thanks must go to the Council’s project team, Balfour Beatty and Scottish Water for working so closely over the past few months to solve the drainage issues and accelerate the school opening.
“The new Portobello High School is looking really impressive and it’s clear this is going to be a fantastic state of the art facility. Rebuilding Portobello High School is one of the Capital Coalition’s highest priorities and we were determined to ensure we met this commitment.”
Stuart Danskin, Balfour Beatty’s Project Manager, said: “We are delighted that the drainage matters have been resolved and the school can now be opened to pupils three months earlier than expected. Balfour Beatty are extremely proud to be part of what will be an incredible facility for the staff, pupils and local residents of Portobello.”
Bill Elliot, Communities Team Regional Manager with Scottish Water, said: “It’s fantastic news for the pupils, parents, teachers and support staff that they will be getting in earlier than expected.
“We are delighted to have played a part in accelerating the process and want to wish them all the very best in the new building, which we hope will be a huge asset to education in that part of Edinburgh for many years to come.”
The new school was given the go ahead after the City of Edinburgh Council successfully took a Private Bill through the Scottish Parliament which changed the status of Portobello Park allowing it to be appropriated for educational purposes.
A new park will be built on the existing school site after a new building for St John’s RC Primary School is completed.
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