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Nicol Stephen unveils new £2.4 million facelift for further education in edinburgh
30/11/1999
A major £2.4 million refurbishment of the main building at Stevenson College in Edinburgh was officially opened today by Deputy Minister for Enterprise and Lifelong Learning, Nicol Stephen.
Mr Stephen, said:
"The scale of this investment is clear evidence that Scottish Executive is committed to widening access to Lifelong Learning across Scotland.
"We have already invested an additional £40 million in further education this year, as part of a commitment to increase funding by a total of £214 million over the next three years. Our main target for that extra cash is to provide an extra 40,000 student places by 2002. As a major provider of further education in Edinburgh, Stevenson College has a vital role to play in helping to achieve that target.
"The completion of this recladding and internal renovation work is a significant milestone for the college, which now has a building worthy of its significant role in the further education sector. Its premises are now fully equipped to attract increased numbers of students.
"The Scottish Executive contributed almost all of the £2.4 million costs of this project. This is testimony to our commitment to lifelong learning, to provide the best facilities to encourage people to get the tools they need to make a contribution to creating a successful knowledge economy in Scotland.
"But we still need to emphasise that lifelong learning is for everyone. Here at Stevenson College, the 'Support Plus Project' is investigating the needs of young people coming into FE with a record of underachievement and the range of support necessary to help them.
"I look forward to its recommendations, and to continue doing all we can to make a difference for those in our society most in need of help to reach their potential.
"I am delighted to open this refurbished facility and commend everyone at Stevenson College for their hard work in making this a reality."
BACKGROUND
1. The main campus building at Sighthill in Edinburgh was constructed in the late 1960s and includes an eight-storey tower block and three-storey library wing. Its external walls were rendered in traditional Scottish harling on top of concrete and brickwork. Over a number of years the College had experienced increasing problems with sections of the harling coming loose and falling to the ground. A new metal cassette system now gives the College building a complete new appearance, replacing the traditional harling. In addition, improvements to the windows and heating system greatly enhance the learning environment for students.
2. The construction contract was awarded to Barry D Trentham Limited of Broxburn. The principal sub-contractor for the overcladding system and windows was Albann Windows Limited of Kilmarnock. Ross Quality control was appointed at this stage by the College to provide a comprehensive Clerk of Works Service. The total value of the construction project awarded was £2.4 million of which £2.3 million (95 per cent) was funded by the Department.
News Release: SE1506/1999
30 Nov 1999