WORK on a new Whitecraig Primary School is due to begin in early spring following the award of an £18.5 million contract to Morrison Construction.
The school is expected to open during academic session 2025/26.
East Lothian Council appointed Morrison Construction following a competitive tender process.
The firm has worked on a number of council projects, including Wallyford and Letham Mains Primary Schools and, most recently, Wallyford Learning Campus.
A replacement primary school is needed in Whitecraig in response to a growing school population from ongoing and planned housebuilding in the area.
The project will see the current 1959 building on Whitecraig Crescent replaced to increase capacity by a new building "suited to modern learning."
Built on land adjacent to the current school, the new building combines eight classrooms with an integrated early learning facility behind a facade of charcoal grey brick and copper cladding panels and accents, including on some window surrounds, designed by the council’s in-house architect.
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Landscaped spaces have been designed to improve pedestrian and cyclist safety, with a dedicated community entrance provided to the northeast. Upgrades will also take place to Whitecraig Road.
The project has received funding from phase one of the Scottish Government’s Learning Estate Investment Programme, administered by Scottish Futures Trust. Planning permission was granted on January 10. Once complete, the existing building will be safely demolished and the cleared spaces will be landscaped.
Councillor Fiona Dugdale, cabinet member for education and children’s and family services, said: “Our vision is for a modern school that is energy efficient and supports excellent teaching and learning.
"We also believe that it can support the wider community and, together with the Whitecraig Village Hub, provide spaces and opportunities for residents.
“Cost pressures on construction projects are significant, with inflation driving up prices. Our teams have worked hard to design a project that can be delivered within available capital funding and will work closely with Morrison Construction during the process to ensure it remains within budget.
"Having worked together on a number of high-value projects, we look forward to working with them to deliver a high-quality school for Whitecraig’s staff, children and families.”
David Ewing, managing director of Morrison Construction Building Central, said: “We have developed a strong relationship with East Lothian Council, working on a number of successful projects over recent years, and look forward to working with them once again to create another first-class facility for the local community in Whitecraig and the surrounding area.”
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