Financial close has been reached on the £40 million Queensferry High School project in Edinburgh.

The milestone means Morrison Construction can start main works on site and completion is on schedule for spring 2020.

Features of the new school, which will be built on the current school's playing fields, include incorporating a sports hall and new six-lane swimming pool, while a new new full sized 3G pitch will be developed externally for football within the site. In addition, access will be provided to a full sized 3G pitch for rugby and football off site, as well as running track, long jump, shot put provision, rounders pitch and three hard play spaces marked out for basketball/netball.

Once finished, the old school will be demolished and the area landscaped, with a new pitch created on the site.

Roddy Clark, Hub South East's Projects Director, said: "A great deal of work has gone into the development and design of this project in the background, so reaching Financial Close is a significant milestone in making the new Queensferry High School a reality.

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"We're particularly proud that through this project, Hub South East is leading the way in realising progressive government policy aspirations in relation to low carbon, as the new school is receiving funds through the Scottish Futures Trust to ensure a low carbon design. Ultimately this will not only satisfy increasing environmental targets but should have a beneficial effect on the learning environment and educational attainment as well as life cycle costs of the building.

"This is just one of the ways we're working with clients to demonstrate innovation and ensure we are bringing added value to the projects we deliver."

Cllr Ian Perry added: "With initial work having started on site last month, Financial Close means the main construction can begin on the new building which will provide a state of the art school for our young people and great community facilities.

"We have successfully worked with Hub South East Scotland before over the past seven years and are delighted to be working with the Scottish Government on this important project."

Eddie Robertson, Morrison Construction Managing Director Central Building, said: "This is a significant milestone for this fantastic project. We have a proud history of delivering state-of-the-art education facilities and we look forward to continuing to work closely with our partners Hub South East and the City of Edinburgh Council.

"During construction we will continue our engagement with all stakeholders while providing education and employment opportunities to ensure the development has a lasting positive impact."

(LM)