Galliford Try subsidiary Morrison Construction has been appointed by Midlothian Council as main contractor for the £55.3m refurbishment and extension of Penicuik High School, marking the scheme’s progression from design and planning into delivery following several years of development.
The contractor had previously been identified as preferred bidder in March last year, with its formal appointment now enabling the project to move into its next phase. Early preparatory works are already under way on site, while the main construction programme is scheduled to commence in summer 2026.
The scheme will see the careful refurbishment of the school’s original 1930s building alongside the construction of a new three-storey extension designed to replace the existing 1960s block. Plans developed by architect Holmes Miller centre on the creation of a large internal hub, organised around the retained assembly hall and courtyard spaces. By enclosing these courtyards, the design introduces new indoor social areas intended to support dining, sport and events, while improving circulation and connectivity across the campus.
Once complete, the upgraded school will accommodate up to 945 pupils, including dedicated provision for 24 pupils with Additional Support Needs. The facilities are also intended to support wider community use, reinforcing the school’s role as a local civic asset.
The new building is expected to open to pupils and staff in spring 2028. This will be followed by the demolition of the existing 1960s block and the redevelopment of the surrounding grounds, including new landscaping. Overall completion of the project is scheduled for autumn 2028.
Midlothian Council’s cabinet member for education, Ellen Scott, said the appointment marked a key milestone for both the project and the local area. “Appointing the main contractor is a major step forward for the Penicuik High School project and for the whole community. It is exciting to see the project moving into the construction phase and to watch the new school begin to take shape,” she said.
David Ewing, managing director of Morrison Construction Building Central, said the company would deliver the scheme by “combining new-build with sympathetic and sustainable refurbishment of existing buildings”.
