The new Boroughmuir High School which we visited recently will not be ready until August 2017 the council have announced today. The Chief Executive Andrew Kerr and senior officials have had discussions with the contractor O’Hare McGovern and have decided on a second delay.
The further delay (the school was expected to be ready after the October half term until recently) is to allow for the exam period to pass without pupils having to move. The school building is due to be ready in April 2017, but pupils and teachers will not move until after the summer.
Councillor Paul Godzik, Education Convener, said: “This is understandably disappointing news for the whole school community and we certainly share their frustration at this fresh delay. We have made clear our displeasure at the way the project has progressed to date and will be seeking compensation in line with the terms of the contract.
“By postponing the opening until the start of the next school year, we can ensure pupils can sit their exams without the upheaval of moving into a new building.
“When staff and pupils return for the new academic year next August, they’ll be embarking on an exciting new chapter in Boroughmuir’s history, with a fantastic new teaching and learning environment to continue the school’s first-class academic track record.”
Local Green councillor Melanie Main has said she is astonished at the latest delay. She said: “The first priority for any new school building has to be that it is safe and fit for purpose on day one. And I don’t doubt that officers have come to the right conclusion to delay the opening – now for the fourth time.
“However, I am astonished at how this has been handled. The contractor appointed is building a school in Scotland for the first time and, it appears, has really struggled with ground conditions and weather – things that could and should have been anticipated.
“There has been an increasing sense of excitement in the school community about the move so it is really disappointing to see yet more delay.
“After the dust has settled, lessons need to be learned.”
The Council say they will be seeking compensation from the contractors in line with the terms of the contract.
A spokesman for O’Hare & McGovern said: “The unfortunate delay was caused by a number of unforeseen circumstances, but we are confident Edinburgh will take delivery of a magnificent new educational facility in April next year.”
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