"A great day for education in the Borders" as £70m PPP contract signed
Thursday, February 1 2007
Scottish Borders Council yesterday (31 January 2007) reached agreement with the Scottish Borders Education Partnership Consortium (SBEP) to provide three new high schools in Berwickshire (Duns), Earlston and Eyemouth through a £70m Public Private Partnership (PPP).
The ambitious project took four years from the Council’s original commitment to explore a PPP initiative to yesterday’s historic financial close, when the complex and detailed agreements on the financial, educational, commercial and legal elements of the 30 year contract were signed.
Speaking after the signing event, David Parker Leader of SBC said "This is absolutely tremendous news for the communities which will be served by these new schools, which we think will be the most environmentally advanced in Scotland. I think the whole Council can take pride in the success of the project and the broad cross-party support it has enjoyed.
Independent members, Conservatives on the Administration and the Liberal Democrat opposition have recognised from the outset the benefits this will bring. Together we have planned and provided for the long term future - this really is a great day for Education in the Borders."
"Like all local authorities the Council is facing tougher financial times, but we regard our absolute commitment to this project as a long term investment that will create a valuable legacy for future generations" concluded Councillor Parker.
Councillor Andrew Farquhar, Joint Portfolio Holder for the Council’s Education & Lifelong Learning Department said "Pupils, staff and the local communities have all contributed to the development of the school’s designs and are looking forward with eager anticipation to the building of the new schools. The designs for each school offer uncompromising excellence that will provide learning environments to inspire future generations; a range of excellent sports facilities for school and community use and outstanding landmarks that will enhance their local settings."
The Director of the SBEP consortium Martin Pugh said "We are absolutely thrilled to become SBC's long term partner on the Three High Schools Project. All key parties within SBEP (Bilfinger Berger BOT Limited and John Graham (Dromore) Limited) are totally committed to delivering modern exciting and stimulating learning environments. SBEP fully intends to develop open and supportive working arrangements that keep the ever changing education needs as the highest priority."
In March 2006 the Council unanimously agreed to appoint SBEP as its preferred bidder. Since then, further discussions and negotiations have taken place with SBEP and at every step in the process representatives from the three high schools have been consulted and involved to ensure they get the space and facilities they need to provide the very best learning and teaching environment.
A pre contract agreement approved by the Council with the SBEP Consortium in October 2006 allowed initial site preparations works to get underway on two of the sites to ensure that the schools would be open during the 2008/09 school year. Work on all three schools will now gather momentum and events are being planned to mark this important event for staff, pupils and the local communities.
Berwickshire High School
Earlston High School
Eyemouth High School
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