The Dumfries Learning Town Project (DLT) will see the redevelopment of Dumfries and Galloway’s school portfolio to deliver education on a whole town basis, and will ensure that everyone has equal access to enhanced education. The aim is also to develop further integration with other council departments including Sport & Leisure, Arts & Museums and Library Services to widen the accessibility of these to all.

The project has an estimated budget of £100 million and will involve schools, colleges, universities and local businesses working together to deliver a cohesive approach to education.

The development will be split into two phases and will involve the design and construction of three new buildings as well as the refurbishment of existing education facilities.

As part of the first phase, Graham will be responsible for the design and construction of an innovative hub to encourage shared learning across all educational centres. The Learning Hub will be central to the new education model which aims to prepare today’s learners for tomorrow’s workplace.

Gary Holmes, regional director of Graham Construction, said the firm is looking forward to working with Dumfries and Galloway Council on the “exciting project” which will deliver a new approach to education in the area.

He added: “We have experience of delivering first-class educational facilities across Scotland, from refurbishing existing premises to designing and creating bespoke buildings. This project for Dumfries and Galloway Council is one of the largest we have undertaken to date. We are currently working with the community and a team of professionals to help inform our designs, which we hope to share soon.”

Michael McBrearty, chief executive of hub South West, said: “We are pleased to have appointed Graham Construction as our Tier 1 contractor on this ambitious project. The Dumfries Learning Town Project will generate substantial employment, growth and investment at a local level, whilst creating the infrastructure to support the ongoing education of the young people of Dumfries.

“We selected Graham Construction as our main contractor because they have demonstrated a high level of commitment to delivering quality facilities whilst providing opportunities for the benefit of the local economy.”

During 2014 hub South West successfully handed over five projects totalling £12m and is currently progressing capital investments with a total project value of £563m, delivering a programme of schools, health centres and office accommodation throughout Lanarkshire, Ayrshire and Dumfries and Galloway.

The project, which is expected to complete in 2018 will involve the construction of six new education facilities including primary and secondary schools, an innovative central hub and the redevelopment of four education outlets.