PLANS for a £46-million ‘full rebuild’ of Peebles High School will be considered by Scottish Borders Council this week.

A part-rebuild of the school – which suffered a fire in 2019 – had initially been considered.

However, following a council feasibility study “examining the benefits, cost and timescales”, proposals for a full rebuild will now be reviewed at a full council meeting on Thursday (January 28).

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East Berwickshire councillor Carol Hamilton, who is also SBC’s executive member for children and young people, said: “Access to high-quality learning and educational facilities for our young learners will always be a priority for Scottish Borders Council and I’m encouraged to see the swift progress we’ve made in reaching this proposal.

“After carefully considering both options for rebuilding Peebles High School, it has become evidently clear that the complete rebuild of the school will present significant savings in time and minimise the disruption to pupils and staff throughout the process.

“The full rebuild will allow us to offer a modern, environmentally sustainable learning environment to the benefit of Peebles and the surrounding area.

“Further engagement with the local community is vital for this project and full consultations will be taking place in due course to ensure all voices are heard.”

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A report issued by SBC ahead of the council meeting says that it would take 24 months to complete the build of a new Peebles High – at a cost of £46 million.

The report states that the price includes “the demolition of the old buildings, diversion of a water main, landscaping and the 3G synthetic pitch”– which is due to be installed if the plans are approved.

Regarding the feasibility study looking into a full rebuild, the report adds: “This study confirms that there is sufficient land within the existing school boundary to accommodate the construction of a new school building whilst retaining the existing school buildings during the construction period.

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“There would be a loss of external playing facilities. The reduced buildings and temporary classrooms put in place following the fire in November 2019 can remain operational during the entire construction process for the new build.”

If approved by councillors at Thursday’s meeting, a full rebuild of Peebles High would be considered as part of the council’s Capital Plan, 2021/22.

The council says a consultation process with the local community will then commence.