PLANS have been approved for the build of a ‘state-of-the-art’ campus in Peebles to replace the town’s existing high school with was seriously damaged in a fire in 2019.
Scottish Borders Council said work on the build of the ‘world class’ modern learning facility is expected to get underway later this year, with BAM Construction having been appointed as main contractor, Hub South East delivering the works, and Stallan Brand behind the design.
The local authority added that the existing school will remain operational whilst the new facility is constructed, allowing for the avoidance of significant disruption to pupils. It will feature ‘attractive’ atrium spaces and flexible teaching areas over two storeys on existing grass pitches at the school site.
On July 28, a three-month programme of water diversion works to install a mains water pipe will commence on Bonnington Road and Craigerne Lane running until October 21. WSP will carry out the works on behalf of Scottish Water.
Councillor Leagh Douglas, executive member for education and lifelong learning at Scottish Borders Council, said, “The approval of planning for the state-of-the-art replacement of Peebles High School is very welcome news and signifies an important next step in the project’s timeline. This new campus will be transformational for both the students who will benefit from the world class educational facilities and the wider community who will have access to the many facilities on offer.
“Throughout this process we have put community consultation at the heart of the design and development of this project to ensure we are creating a building that they can be proud of and that will deliver wide-ranging benefits for decades to come. In the coming weeks, the project delivery team will hold a follow on public meeting to show the approved plans to the community, details of which will be shared in due course.”
Scott Brown, Hub South East’s project director, added, “Achieving planning permission is a key step in the development of a fantastic new learning space for Peebles. Stallan Brand’s inspiring designs have been well received and we look forward to further developing these as the project progresses.
“Working in partnership with Scottish Borders Council and our contractor BAM Construction, we will deliver a facility which supports a modern learning experience for pupils and is an asset to the local community, whilst realising a range of local benefits and social value.”
