Morgan Sindall Construction appointed for first phase of Highland Investment Plan projects
Morgan Sindall Construction has been named preferred main contractor to deliver two new schools as part of The Highland Council’s Highland Investment Plan (HIP), marking a significant step forward in the transformation of education infrastructure across the region.
Appointed in partnership with hub North Scotland, the projects include a new primary school in Beauly and a new secondary school at Charleston Academy in Inverness.
Morgan Sindall Construction will work closely with The Highland Council, hub North Scotland and key stakeholders during the consultation, design and pre-planning stages, helping to develop high-quality, sustainable learning environments that support pupils, staff and the wider community.
The HIP is a £2.1 billion, 20-year capital investment programme led by The Highland Council to deliver improvements to local infrastructure and services across the region.
It includes £750 million of investment over the next five years and is financed through a combination of capital investment and a dedicated annual allocation of ring-fenced Council Tax revenue.
A key element of the HIP is the creation of community hubs, known as Points of Delivery (PoDs), supporting a move towards a single public estate incorporating schools, offices, depots and partners, creating more integrated community-based facilities.
These projects form part of the first phase of HIP, which will see preferred contractors appointed across seven developments spanning communities from Thurso to Inverness.
Morgan Sindall Construction’s appointment reflects its strong track record in delivering modern, inclusive education facilities and its commitment to working in partnership to deliver long-term value for communities across the Highlands.
Stuart Parker, Managing Director of Morgan Sindall Construction in Scotland, said:
We are thrilled to have been appointed to deliver both the Charleston Academy and Beauly PoD projects, and to be starting what we hope will become a strong, long-term partnership with hub North Scotland. These appointments reflect our continued work with The Highland Council and the strength of our Inverness-based team, which has extensive experience delivering projects across the region.”
Leader of the Council, Cllr Raymond Bremner, said:
This marks a major milestone for the Highland Investment Plan and a welcome step forward for our communities. The plan represents an innovative and ambitious approach to capital investment, which will deliver long-term, sustainable improvements to our schools, community facilities, offices and depots across the Highlands.”
Convener of the Council, Cllr Bill Lobban, said:
The HIP is a ground-breaking and innovative long-term infrastructure investment programme, which will create transformative change over the next decade, With these contractors now appointed, we can move to the next phase of our planning, including further engagement with our communities and design and pre-planning activities.”
Chair of the Housing and Property Committee, Cllr Glynis Sinclair, said:
The HIP will help drive significant economic growth and deliver community benefits across the Highlands, including new homes and local employment opportunities, as well as graduate and apprenticeship posts. This investment plan will play a vital role in encouraging more people to live and work in the Highlands, positioning our area as a sustainable destination of choice.”
Hub North Scotland Chief Executive Richard Park described the appointment of the preferred main contractor as a landmark moment, adding:
The ambition and scale of investment for this plan are unprecedented and great progress is already being made to help design and deliver these new community facilities at pace.”
ENDS