Multi-million pound contract signed for new school for children with complex additional needs

05 November 2015

The construction of a new school in Aberdeen for children with additional support needs arising from severe and complex factors has taken another major step forward after a contract to build the new facility was signed yesterday (Thursday 05 November).

Aberdeen City Council has signed the contract to start construction on the £17million new Centre of Excellence, which will see state-of-the-art educational and health facilities for children with complex additional support needs in the city.

The new school, which will be located on Howes Road will provide education and support for up to 150 full-time children and young people from 3 to 18 years of age with severe and complex educational and medical needs, and will replace Woodlands School and Hazelwood School. A pre-school additional support service, currently provided in Seaton School, will also be relocated to the new campus.

The new school will be delivered by hub North Scotland Limited after it was appointed as development partner by Aberdeen City Council. Ogilvie Construction has been appointed as the main contractor.

Aberdeen City Council's Convener of Education and Children's Services Committee Councillor Angela Taylor said "This is a special day for the staff, children and parents of Woodlands School and Hazelwood School communities. It is yet another example of this Council's determination to build the finest school accommodation to allow all of our young people reach their potential.

"It also sees our continuing desire to work in partnership with other agencies such as NHS Grampian to deliver a holistic service which fully meets the needs of children with complex additional support needs.

"We will continue to work with the young people, their parents and staff in the coming months to ensure a smooth transition to the new school."

Angus Macfarlane, chief executive of hub North Scotland, said: "hub North has been working collaboratively with Aberdeen City Council on a number of projects and we're looking forward to delivering this first-class facility.

"Once complete, the project will enhance the care and education provision for children with additional support needs here in Aberdeen by providing a facility that many children and young people can benefit from for years to come."

Work on the new Centre of Excellence will start in December 2015 and is expected to be completed by April 2017.