Case Studies

Location: Inverness

SPA Partner: Highland Council 

SPA Appointed Company: Morrison Construction

Project Overview

Morrison Construction were appointed for the phased upgrade of classroom areas within the High School, which is a grade B listed building. The art deco school was opened in 1937 and has undergone many extensions in subsequent decades. Due to this segmented approach the building was in need of a revamp and modernisation. As work progressed, intrusive surveys revealed a number of significant structural defects within the listed building and the scope of the project was increased to address this.

Through Phase 1 of this project, the Highland Council received 14 classrooms along with offices and a brand new state of the art biomass energy centre. Morrison Construction provided the Highland Council with a high degree of confidence in their ability to deliver the work within the challenging environment of a “live” school. Through their work Morrison Construction developed a close relationship with the staff and pupils and have taken part in sponsored walks, attended career evenings and donated school football strips.

Inverness High School has benefitted significantly by the vastly improved facilities provided through the classroom upgrade programme. Having a trusted contractor on-site, appointed through SPA, has allowed the additional works to be incorporated seamlessly into their works. This has led to significant time and cost benefits around procurement and programme.

Morrison Construction has been appointed to carry out further works for Phase 2 of this refurbishment project to improve the condition and suitability of the whole building with an anticipated completion in 2021.

"This is a major milestone in the Council’s programme of refurbishment and renovation of Highland schools. Inverness High School, although an iconic design of its time, was not fully fit for 21st Century education and these works are directly helping to provide a better school that supports our children to have the best start in life" Cllr Andrew Baxter, Chair of the Highland Council’s Care, Learning and Housing Committee.

Why SPA?

The SCB2 framework was well suited to meet the needs of Morrison’s client partners by providing flexibility in procurement routes and a “fast track” appointment. Using the framework allowed for significant time savings at the pre-construction stages. Morrison Construction and the Highland Council’s partnership working from the outset ensured best value was made from the budget available.

Founded in the highlands of Scotland in 1948, Morrison Construction is one of the largest building contractors in the country. They work mainly in the public sector with particular experience in Education and Health. Morrison is part of Galliford Try, which is one of the UK’s largest construction companies.

Morrison Construction provides extensive experience in public sector works and has long established relationships with many of their clients. They pride themselves on the openness and honesty with which they approach partnering contracts. They have had a number of repeat project business through this framework.

Like all SPA Frameworks, SCB2 is fully OJEU compliant. SCB2 is currently under renewal as PB3 Public Buildings Construction and Infrastructure, which will be live in Summer 2021.