Gilmerton primary school delays blamed on landowner 'dragging their heels' as project nears milestone
Pupils could be waiting until August 2029 to start at the new school due to delays in transferring the land to council control
A landowner has been accused of “dragging their heels” after significant delays pushed back the opening of a new £35 million primary school in Gilmerton.
The proposed school, which will accommodate families moving into the growing Gilmerton Station Road housing development, was originally slated to open in August 2028 at the earliest.
Yet delays in transferring the land to council control mean pupils could be waiting until August 2029 to start at the new school, local Labour MP Ian Murray has warned.
Construction on Gilmerton Station Road Primary School cannot get underway until the landowner has completed all remediation and servicing works on the site, a process that appears to have taken longer than expected.
Mr Murray, who has repeatedly raised concerns around the delivery of new services and infrastructure in the area, called the delays “incredibly disappointing”.
He said: "It will be even more frustrating for local families who moved to the area factoring the new school into their plans for their children's education. I'm hearing directly from many of them and I'm doing what I can to support them and get them the information they need.
"The issue seems to be the landowner dragging their heels over the land transfer to the council. This is yet another example of big developers failing our communities in south Gilmerton.”
Residents were first consulted on plans for the new 15-class primary school and nursery on the two-hectare empty plot between Nisbet Drive and Carter Drive in late 2024.
Delays were first reported in February, with recent work on the site described by the council as survey and remediation work rather than the start of construction.
The landowner, Mactaggart & Mickel, said they are now in the final stages of preparing the site for handover “in accordance with the agreed requirements and specification” now grouting works on the site are complete.
A spokesperson for the developer said: “We have maintained regular meetings with the council throughout to ensure the necessary works are progressed and coordinated.
“We recognise the importance of the new school to the local community and remain committed to working constructively with the council to facilitate its delivery. We look forward to supporting the next phase of the project and helping bring this important community facility forward.”
The new school, alongside a recently completed extension to nearby Frogston Primary School, is intended to ease pressure on Gilmerton Primary School, which pupils have previously described as already overcrowded.
Housebuilding in Gilmerton Primary School’s catchment area is expected to create a shortfall of almost 400 places, enough to fill a 15-class primary school.
The council is establishing a steering group which will work to conclude the legal handover of the site and undertake any remaining survey and remediation needed before design work can begin.
Once built, the school is expected to accommodate up to 434 pupils and could cost in the region of £35 million.
Councillor James Dalgleish, Convenor Education, Children and Families said he understands and shares local frustrations and will continue to work with others to push the “important” project forward.
“This will be a real asset for the local community and provide a modern, purpose-built space to give our young people the best environment to learn. It is important we get all elements right so this can be a great learning space for future generations.”
According to the councillor, residents can expect “a glimpse” at the school’s potential design soon, with an updated timeline published once a design team has been appointed.