New Portobello High School slated for October opening

The £41 million campus was originally due to open in August, but was pushed back to January next year amid problems with its “drainage connection”.

Now bosses say the long-awaited facility will open three months earlier than expected after the issues were resolved.

Construction of the secondary –Edinburgh’s largest – was previously delayed for six years because of a long-running row over whether it should be built in Portobello Park.

Council leaders were eventually forced to lodge a Bill at the Scottish Parliament to ensure the project could proceed.

The new complex will replace the ageing 1960s building on Duddingston Road and will include a swimming pool, two all-weather pitches and space for around 1400 pupils.

It will open to staff and pupils on October 26, after the mid-term break.

Bosses say the local community will also benefit from the new facilities, which will be open for community use outside school hours – with local residents able to book the sports pitches free of charge.

In addition, a new £1million park will be built in place of the old Portobello High School and St John’s RC Primary School site.

Cllr Paul Godzik, Education Convener for the City of Edinburgh Council, said: “I am sure that parents, pupils and staff will be as delighted as I am that we have brought forward the date of the school opening to October.

“Thanks must go to the Council’s project team, Balfour Beatty and Scottish Water for working so closely over the past few months to solve the drainage issues and accelerate the school opening.

“The new Portobello High School is looking really impressive and it’s clear this is going to be a fantastic state of the art facility. Rebuilding Portobello High School is one of the Capital Coalition’s highest priorities and we were determined to ensure we met this commitment.”

Stuart Danskin, Balfour Beatty’s Project Manager, said: “We are delighted that the drainage matters have been resolved and the school can now be opened to pupils three months earlier than expected. Balfour Beatty are extremely proud to be part of what will be an incredible facility for the staff, pupils and local residents of Portobello.”

Bill Elliot, Communities Team Regional Manager with Scottish Water, said: “It’s fantastic news for the pupils, parents, teachers and support staff that they will be getting in earlier than expected.

“We are delighted to have played a part in accelerating the process and want to wish them all the very best in the new building, which we hope will be a huge asset to education in that part of Edinburgh for many years to come.”

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