Single project bid for new Wick schools
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
COUNCILLORS have given their support to bringing the construction of three new schools in Wick into a single project.
The education, culture and sports committee agreed with recommendations to consider financing the construction of two primary schools along with the new Wick High School with the same developer.
Development company Hub North, which was created by the Scottish Futures Trust and is a joint venture between the public and private sector, is currently in negotiations to carry out the construction of Wick High.
The Scottish Government has pledged £18 million to go towards the high school project on the basis that the council agrees to carry out the work with Hub North.
The framework of the company is designed to provide such benefits as setting a maximum price which can be charged and the expertise of 150 companies involved with the partnership.
The committee has said it would now like to enter talks to include the proposed mergers of Pulteneytown Academy and South school along with the Hillhead Primary and North Primary merger as part of the deal.
Wick councillor Gail Ross said that she welcomed the idea in principle and was pleased to see the projects moving forward so quickly. She did express worries that if the three schemes were to be brought together into one project, it would have an effect on the high school’s estimated opening date of August 2014.
Head of support services Ron Mackenzie said that the inclusion of two new primary schools in the deal may have an affect on timescales.
“It may be a case of taking one step back to go two steps forward,” he said. But it will not be a big step back.
“By bundling these projects into one, it would provide greater benefits to the Highland Council in financing these schools.”
The Scottish Futures Trust has estimated the total cost of building the new Wick High School at £27m. This is £10m less than the £37.2m figure estimated by the council.
Mr Mackenzie did say that the SFT figures were based on an 840 capacity school whereas the Highland Council had based its figures on a 900 capacity school.
Fort William and Ardnamurchan councillor Bren Gormley said that this is how the Highland Council should finance projects in future.
“In the wider aspect of the Highlands and Islands, the delivery of projects in this way has been very effective,” he said. “In terms of handling contracts in the future, this is the way that the Highland Council has to move forward.
“Also we should remember that not all the projects have to begin construction at the same time.”
ECS chairman Bill Fernie said that the residents in Wick have been pleased with the rapid progress of the projects.
“The proposed amalgamation of four primary schools into two has been welcomed by the majority,” he said. “It has come as a surprise to many that Wick could possibly have three new schools in the next few years and this will help with regeneration in Caithness.”
Representatives from the Scottish Futures Trust and Hub North will meet with the Highland Council to carry out further negotiations later this month.
