26-11-2024
First Minister sees progress on new Perth High School
First Minister of Scotland and MSP for Perthshire North John Swinney MSP recently visited new Perth High School construction site to see for himself how well the project is progressing.
Mr Swinney toured the building together with Perthshire South and Kinross-shire MSP Jim Fairlie, senior Perth and Kinross Councillors and Council officials, and representatives from Robertson and hub East Central Scotland
Hub East Central Scotland is managing the delivery of the new school for the Council with main contractor Robertson Construction Tayside building it to exacting Passivhaus building design standards, where energy saving measures and providing a comfortable environment are an integral part of the process.
Up to 1,600 pupils and 140 staff will be accommodated in the new three-storey building, which is being constructed at the existing High School site, with the current school building set to be demolished and the ground transformed to provide a 3G sports pitch and multi-use games area (MUGA) when the new building is completed in 2025.
Mr Swinney said:“I was pleased to see first-hand the progress being made on the new Perth High School building, which represents a significant investment in the future of our young people.
“This state-of-the-art facility will provide an outstanding learning environment for pupils and staff while demonstrating our commitment to sustainability and tackling the climate emergency.
“I commend Perth and Kinross Council and all partners involved in this transformative project, which will undoubtedly have a lasting positive impact on the community.”
Councillor John Rebbeck, Perth and Kinross Council’s Convener of Families and Learning said: “As we get closer to Perth High School opening the doors of its brand new facilities to young people and staff, I am very pleased that Mr Swinney is able to join us and see first-hand how works are progressing on site, and I welcome the positive way that the Council has worked in partnership with the Scottish Government.
“This £80m project is a key element of the Council’s programme to improve the learning estate in Perth and Kinross by investing in the provision of modern, fit for purpose facilities, and additionally by building to Passivhaus standards, one of the first schools of its kind in Scotland alongside Riverside Primary, we aim to reduce our environmental impact.”
Gary Bushnell, Chief Executive, hub East Central Scotland, said: “It’s great to see the new school taking shape and we look forward to handing over a first class facility next year that will serve the community for generations to come.”
Kevin Dickson, regional managing director, Robertson Construction Tayside, said: “Hosting the First Minister and Perth & Kinross Council at the new Perth High School has been a great opportunity to show the progress of the build, and highlight our commitment to quality and sustainability. Once complete, the school will be an integral part of the community, helping young people reach their full potential while supporting our collective journey to net zero.
“Building to Passivhaus standards once again with the Council demonstrates the importance placed on delivering cutting-edge projects in a sustainable, forward-thinking way.”