GALLIFORD Try has confirmed the purchase of Miller Construction in 2014 brought with it “contractual responsibility” for four schools currently closed in Edinburgh amid safety fears.
The City of Edinburgh Council has closed 17 schools following advice from the Edinburgh Schools Partnership (ESP), the body responsible for building, managing and operating the estate on behalf of the local authority.
A statement released by Galliford Try said, “Galliford Try acquired Miller Construction in 2014. In March this year we were notified that Oxgangs Primary School, built by Miller Construction more than 10 years ago, lost part of one external wall which blew off in Storm Gertrude.
“Oxgangs was built as part of Edinburgh’s PPP schools programme between 2002 and 2005. The programme, which comprised 17 schools in two phases, was managed by an SPV, Edinburgh Schools Partnership. ESP subcontracted the construction of the schools to a number of contractors including Miller Construction.
“Through its acquisition of Miller Construction, Galliford Try has contractual responsibility for four of the seventeen schools. Remedial work required to remedy defects in those four schools is nearing completion and the costs are not material to the Group.
“Galliford Try takes its role as a responsible contractor very seriously and the safety of the pupils and staff is paramount.”
The City of Edinburgh Council confirmed on Monday April 11 that ESP was continuing with its programme of inspections. The council said early indications are that the issue that prompted the decision to close the schools “has been identified in other buildings” but as yet they were not able to determine the full extent of this or the potential impact it may have.
