Western Isles Schools Project, Buildings, Architect, Design Contract, 3DReid

Western Isles Schools : Nan Eilean Siar Buildings

Educational Architecture, Nan Eilean Siar, northwest Scotland – design by 3DReid

10 Feb 2009

Western Isles Schools Project

3DREID APPOINTED TO FIRST HYBRID PPP PROCUREMENT PROJECT IN SCOTLAND

Western Isles Schools Project

3DReid has won the Design Team Contract for the £55 million Western Isles Schools Project (WISP) in Scotland. The client is Comhairle nan Eilean Siar (Western Isles Council). The private sector development partner is Faithful & Gould.

The project will see the development of 5 schools over 5 sites:

– The Nicolson Institute, Stornoway, Lewis – new High School for 1,028 pupils, including the refurbishment and remodelling of existing listed buildings

– Sir E Scott School, Tarbert, Harris – refurbishment, remodelling and extension to existing High School for 114 pupils and a new Primary school for 50 pupils

– West Side Primary School, Barvas, Lewis – new Primary school for 66 pupils

– Balivanich Primary School, Balivanich, Benbecula – new Primary school for 133 pupils

– Bayble Primary School, Point, Lewis – new Primary school for 100 pupils

This is the first Hybrid PPP procurement project in Scotland, which aims to provide all the best aspects of PPP without the perceived drawbacks. Funding is in the form of a government grant rather than a private investor. The contract, in essence, is a standard Design & Build project, tendered at Stage D but with the added requirement for FM and building lifecycle expertise.

In another unusual step, 3DReid are employing the whole consultant team to offer the client a one-stop service.

An SPV (called Sgoiltean Ura) has been set up as a separate arm of the council to deliver the project and operate the buildings on their behalf. The SPV will act as the contracting party up to RIBA Stage D. They will then procure the contractor and the design team will be novated over.

Alex Donaldson, Partnerships Director at 3DReid said: “We are delighted to have secured what is both an exciting and challenging project. Our key aspiration for these community focused schools is to create innovative, sustainable and environmental design solutions and we look forward to working closely with the rest of the team and the local community to achieve this.”

A tender is due be issued in August 2009 with financial close scheduled for April 2010. Start on site is expected May 2010 with completion due in May 2012.

Western Isles Schools Project information from 3DReid 100209

3Dreid

Location: Western Isles, Scotland