Balfour has agreed to delay the signing of the deal until a legal row over the location of the new school on Portobello Park is resolved.
The Council will defend legal action bought by objectors who don’t want to see the new school built on parkland beside Portobello golf course.
City Education Leader Cllr Marilyne MacLaren said: “Following a competitive tendering process we are pleased to announce that Balfour Beatty is our preferred choice to be awarded the contract for the new Portobello High School.
“We greatly appreciate that they are willing to delay the contract signing until after the legal action is resolved as this will keep additional costs to a minimum for the council.
“Balfour Beatty are one of Scotland’s leading construction companies and we are confident, that with them on board, we will give the Portobello school community a new school that they can be proud of.
“It’s hugely disappointing that the start of the work may be delayed but, by agreeing to some preparatory works going ahead before the contract signing, we hope to keep any delays to a minimum.”
At the Council meeting next week Balfour will be confirmed as contractor and the green light given to £200,000 of site preparatory works.
The local action group (Portobello Park Action Group) have raised a legal action in the Court of Session to review the decision to build the school on Portobello Park.