Highland Council has today confirmed that the planned decant and operational date for the new Wick Campus will be pushed back, with the facilities now to open following the Easter 2017 school holidays.
Having assessed the building following handover by Hub North Scotland and Morrison Construction, the Council has reached the conclusion that the level of snagging and other works still to be completed does not allow it to commence its February decant plan, as had previously been advised to stakeholders.
The Council has always made clear that it would only commence decant from the existing schools and community facilities once it was satisfied as to the standard and completeness of the new facilities.
Over and above general snagging relating to fittings and finish, the particular matters still to be completed include commissioning and balancing of the heating and ventilation system, to resolve hot and cold spots throughout the Campus, completion and commissioning of the swimming pool and leisure facilities, and configuration of the external network connection to enable ICT installation and setup.
The Council can provide assurance regarding the safety of the Campus, and that no safety issues are a factor in the Council's decision to defer operations. The Council has already committed to provide a written response to local stakeholders regarding the facility, and the rigorous inspection regime in place, including independent certification, prior to the facility being handed over.