Contract close occurs when parties reach agreement on all the documentation required to progress with the main construction works. Although advance works began on site in October, it means that the main construction works can now begin in the New Year as planned, with the school due to be completed by August 2021.

The £28 million project is being delivered by hub South East in partnership with the City of Edinburgh Council, with Morrison Construction appointed as main contractor.

Plans for the brand new 700 capacity secondary school (with the potential to extend to 1,200) were developed after extensive consultation with educationalists, service users and the local community and were approved by the council earlier this year.

JM Architects’ designs will see the new school built in the centre of Craigmillar, next to the library. Externally there will be a 3G artificial football pitch, which will be available for use by the local community outside school hours, as well as a community town square.

Scott Brown, hub South East’s projects director, said: “A great deal of work has gone into the development and design of this project in the background, so reaching Contract Close is a significant milestone in making the new Castlebrae a reality.

“Having already successfully delivered the East Neighbourhood Office for the City of Edinburgh Council, which is just next door to where the new Castlebrae will sit, we are proud of hub South East’s continued involvement in the regeneration of the area and the benefits this brings for local individuals and businesses.”

Cllr Ian Perry, education convener of the City of Edinburgh Council, added: “With initial work having started on site already, Contract Close means the main construction can begin on the new building, which will provide a first-class inclusive learning environment for young people in Craigmillar.

“We have successfully worked with Hub South East over the past ten years to deliver modern, fit for purpose facilities across the city and we look forward to seeing this new, inspiring learning space at Castlebrae take shape as construction progresses.”

Eddie Robertson, Morrison Construction managing director central building, said: ”We have a proud history of delivering state-of-the-art education facilities. We have a successful working relationship with our partners hub South East and the City of Edinburgh Council and we look forward to delivering another fantastic project together.

”We are delighted to soon begin main works on site. During construction, we will continue our engagement with all stakeholders. As part of our progressive social value programme we will provide education and employment opportunities to ensure this development has a lasting positive impact for the community.”