Harmeny School intends to develop the £1.1 million facility within its 35-acre estate in the village of Balerno.

The school provides residential care and education to some of Scotland’s most vulnerable children as part of Harmeny Education Trust Limited, a national, sector-leading children’s charity.

The proposed learning hub will contribute to the school’s growth and expansion of practical programmes for its young people in care, allowing them to expand the age range and enable more vulnerable young people across Edinburgh to be supported.

Managed by RIAS Consultancy, the competitive selection process will be run over two stages; an open stage inviting all interested architects or architectural practices to submit a 500-word statement demonstrating their relevant experience, interest in the project and reasons why they should be considered for the project.

Five bidders will be shortlisted by the judging panel to participate in the second stage, where they will be asked to compile a multi-disciplinary team and be invited to submit further written information and give a presentation and interview. 

Neil Squires, Harmeny Education Trust chief executive, said: “For the past sixty years Harmeny has helped children whose lives have been affected by abuse, neglect and family disruption, to turn their lives around and realise their right to a safe and happy childhood. We have reached a pivotal time where we wish to offer even more young people the opportunity to benefit from our services, and to do this we need to improve our learning resources.

“We are excited about working with a design team that truly understand the needs of our young people and the environment, and help us build the facilities they deserve to fully reach their potential.”

Requests to participate by receiving full documentation should be made by email to RIAS Consultancy; consultancy@rias.org.uk by 22nd August 2019.

The closing date for receipt of expression of interest statements is August 27 at noon.