With preparatory work due to start in September, following Scottish Government approval, the College started the procurement process for the construction of the new campus earlier this year and received several strong bids.

Throughout a thorough evaluation process, Balfour Beatty demonstrated the experience of its key personnel with projects of this size and nature, its thorough processes for ensuring a high quality build, and its practical approach to achieving the net zero requirements of the build.

The project is expected to deliver a huge boost to the regional economy, with 80% of contracts for the build being awarded to local businesses, and tens of millions of pounds set to be spent in the Fife region.

There is also expected to be over 200 weeks of employment offered to apprentices, as the College and Balfour Beatty aim to extend opportunities for those living and working in the area.

Principal of Fife College, Dr Hugh Hall, said: “The appointment of Balfour Beatty is a major milestone and brings the realisation of our new Dunfermline Campus closer for our students, staff and communities.

“This is a hugely important development, not only for the College but also for the Fife region and beyond.

“I am looking forward to working with our partners to create a world-class place of lifelong learning for students of all ages.

“With millions set to be invested locally, and hundreds of job opportunities created, this development provides a huge boost to the local area.”

Hector MacAulay MBE, Balfour Beatty’s managing director, Regional Scotland, added: “We are delighted to be appointed as Fife College’s construction partner for the new Dunfermline Campus. This builds upon our significant experience and capability within this sector.

“We look forward to working in partnership with Hugh’s team to deliver on the College’s vision and also to support sustainable outcomes – especially in relation to carbon and the community.”

The new campus will be situated on a 58-acre purpose-built low carbon site in the eastern expansion area of Dunfermline, and is due to open by the Summer of 2024. 

The build is part of the proposed Dunfermline Learning Campus - an innovative, integrated and collaborative venture to relocate Fife College’s Dunfermline Campus, St Columba’s RC High School and Woodmill High School to a purpose-built and state of the art new campus.