Graham Construction has been selected as principal contractor to deliver the three Phase 1 projects in the Dumfries Learning Town (DLT) programme.

Chosen by hub South West Scotland, Dumfries and Galloway Council and the Scottish Futures Trust, the contract will see Graham deliver St Joseph’s College, North West Campus and The Bridge, an innovative centre of excellence available to all of the new schools.

Graham Construction has already completed enabling works on the £23 million redevelopment of St Joseph’s College, the first project in the £60m Phase 1 of the two-phase programme, with work on the main college building commencing in early to mid August.

Work to St Joseph’s College entails the comprehensive fabric repair and restoration and refurbishment of the original Grade B listed historic stone building, which was built in the early 19th Century. The extensive redevelopment of the College will include refurbishment of an existing extension, and the demolition and construction of a new wing to provide all facilities under one roof. External works will include the provision of a new 3G sports facility and the reinstatement of grass pitches.

When completed, St Joseph’s will be over 8,000m2 in size and will have the facilities to accommodate 644 secondary school students and 72 staff; providing world-class teaching facilities to the community of Dumfries in South West Scotland.

DLT is procured within the £500m hub South West Scotland framework and funded by the Scottish Government’s ‘Schools for the Future’ national programme. It is a revolutionary approach to the provision of educational facilities combining nursery, primary and secondary schools on a ‘whole town’ basis.

Gary Holmes, regional director of Graham Construction, said: “Dumfries Learning Town is an exciting project and we are looking forward to working with the partners to deliver a new approach to education for the area, starting with the redevelopment of historic St Joseph’s College.

“We have a wide experience of delivering first-class educational facilities across Scotland, from refurbishing existing premises to designing and creating bespoke buildings. The Dumfries programme is one of the largest we have undertaken to date and is a challenge we relish.”

Councillor Jeff Leaver, chairman of Dumfries and Galloway Council’s children, young people and lifelong learning committee, said: “Providing the best start in life for all our children and being inclusive are priorities for our children. Dumfries Learning Town will enable us to deliver on our priorities. It will offer the very best educational opportunities for our young people. Our council’s collaborative, inclusive approach shows our commitment to delivering buildings that are state-of-the-art and fit for the purpose of learning in the 21st century.”

Michael McBrearty, chief executive of development partner Hub South West Scotland, added: “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 and Galloway.”