A trouble-hit Angus schools project will see some progress made within the next fortnight, according to Angus Council.
Robertson Construction will start on the new Timmergreens and Warddykes primary schools in Arbroath after a period of uncertainty over their future.
The firm is undertaking a six-week advance works contract, ahead of the appointment of a new contractor following the collapse of the construction firm initially selected to undertake the project.
Robertson will undertake initial site preparations and specific ground works keeping the project “on track”.
Dundee-based Muirfield Contracts was appointed to build the replacement schools but work stalled due to the firm’s financial difficulties.
Almost 260 workers and more than 100 self-employed contractors found themselves out of work after Muirfield collapsed and administrators confirmed nothing could be done to revive the business.
The local authority said Hubco, the procurement agent of the Scottish Futures Trust (SFT), has identified a new contractor for the construction and a “detailed pricing exercise” is being carried out.
The council’s education spokeswoman, Councillor Sheena Welsh, said: “I am pleased that Hubco has identified a new contractor for the project and look forward to receiving confirmation of their start date and proposed work schedule.
“The six-week advance works contract we’ve entered into with Robertson Construction will keep the project on track for the 2016 opening dates Easter for Timmergreens and summer for Warddykes and reduce the risk of potential further cost increases through construction inflation.”
The replacement schools are the first phase of Angus Council’s investment programme to upgrade the primary school estate in Arbroath.
The cost implications of changing contractor were discussed during a private item at the last meeting of the full Angus Council last month.
Should the estimates for the project now at £12.2 million gross increase by more than 5% then councillors will be asked to approve the extra capital funding.
The current estimated £11m net cost of the new build construction works is be funded from the council’s overall capital budget resources.
Other aspects of the project include the provision of temporary accommodation and long term improvements to Muirfield Primary School, resulting in an overall estimated gross cost of £12.276m.