Completion of an extension to Dundee’s Harris Academy has been pushed back to 2024 after construction issues.
The initial target date was August next year but this is now delayed for a second time until January 2024.
West End councillors Fraser Macpherson and Michael Crichton say with pupil enrolment already at maximum, the extra space is essential.
The new capacity for the school will be 1,507 pupils – an increase of 198 pupils.
Mr Macpherson was told of the delays by the council’s head of design and property services, Neil Martin, after raising the issue at Monday’s policy and resources committee.
Mr Martin said there have been unexpected challenges such as staffing constraints and difficulties building while pupils come and go from the site.
‘Of vital importance’
Mr Macpherson said: “We fully accept it’s proving more challenging than usual to deliver on time and construction inflation is at an all time high but
“We see delivery of the Harris Academy extension as being of vital importance.
“The school is doing well in managing its large pupil roll but it does really need the additional space.”
Designs for the project were agreed jointly by Dundee City Council and Perth and Kinross Council and approved in August.
The extension will provide five extra classrooms, a drama studio, a breakout space, and an area for staff.
The academy opened in 2016 and the extension was designed to accommodate pupils from Invergowrie Primary, located just outside Dundee’s local authority boundary.
‘Most risks unidentified’
Mr Martin told the councillors: “The aspiration was to have the school extension complete for the new term August 2023.
“However,…where an extension is being constructed around a live operational building (it) can be challenging with most risks unidentified when a target date is set.”
‘Staff resources critical’
Mr Martin continued: “Staff resources are critical throughout the construction process but have proved to be particularly challenging over the last six months
“A further contributory factor (is that) 6-9 months has been factored in once it was ascertained during designing that the existing sub-station would not have the capacity to support the extension,” he added.
‘Minimising disruption’
Mr Martin concluded: “The programme will be closely monitored during the construction phase to ensure good progress is made while minimising disruption to the day to day running of the school.”
A Dundee City Council spokesperson said: “A report outlining details of the tender for construction of the Harris Academy extension will be considered for approval by councillors in the near future.”
Conversation