Work is about to start on a major programme of refurbishment at the former Kingsland Primary School building at Rosetta Road in Peebles.

The current Halyrude Primary School will occupy this building when it is completed.

The refurbished building will provide a school with six classrooms, general purpose and learning support rooms in a more modern, flexible and spacious facility than the existing Halyrude Primary School.

The £2.1 million project, which is due to start in early November this year and finish by the end of March 2011, will include the complete internal refurbishment of the Grade B listed building including the replacement of the heating and electrical systems.

It will also include the creation of an atrium which will result in a bright, airy and attractive learning environment for staff and pupils.

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New double glazed windows will be fitted throughout the school and disabled access will be improved including the installation of a lift.

The Halyrude Primary School project forms part of the wider Border Primary Schools (BPS) programme. New schools at Kingsland, Peebles and Lauder have been opened recently and the building of a new school is about to get underway in Clovenfords.

Councillor George Turnbull, Executive Member for Education, said: “This marks the start of the proposed relocation of Halyrude to a newly refurbished school with modern, state-of-the art facilities which will be appreciated by the pupils and staff alike. I am sure staff, pupils and parents will be delighted with this announcement as it marks the start of a new beginning for Halyrude. I look forward to seeing the works progress over the coming months, due to be completed in the spring of 2011. I wish the school well for a smooth transition to their newly refurbished premises.”

A tendering process resulted in McLaughlin & Harvey Ltd. being appointed as principal contractor for the project.

Michael Kieran, Construction Director for McLauglin & Harvey Ltd. said: “We are delighted to have been awarded this contract and will be working closely with the Council and design team to restore this historic building to its former glory."

(GK)