Pupils, parents, staff and councillors, today (Tuesday 25 April) celebrated the official opening of the new £20.5m Countesswells School.
The building of the new school was completed a month ahead of schedule allowing pupils to see their new modern surroundings at first hand at the special opening event which also included a special tree-planting ceremony.
The state-of-the-art school will serve the new Countesswells community on the western outskirts of Aberdeen where more than 600-homes have already been built. It will be able to accommodate 434 pupils and a further 60 Early Learning and Childcare places.
The building, which will also serve as a hub for the community by allowing access to designated facilities at the end of the school day, will promote health and wellbeing via outdoor learning and a 3G all-weather pitch.
During construction, Countesswells pupils have been located at the former Hazlewood School in the city.
Councillor Martin Greig, Aberdeen City Council’s Education and Children’s Services Convener, said: “I am delighted to officially open the new school today and to meet some of the pupils who will benefit from this wonderful setting which will really enhance their learning experience.
“The school will also become a focal point and a real asset for the growing Countesswells community allowing as it will, access to facilities beyond school opening hours.”
Vice-Convener, Councillor Jessica Mennie, said: “It’s fantastic to be able to take part in the opening of Countesswells School with its first pupils and to mark the occasion with the special planting of a tree the growth of which will reflect the growth of the new school on its journey serving the community.
“Seeing at first hand he impressive facilities in the school and the joy of the children here today has made for a wonderful event.”
The new school was delivered by the council’s development partner Hub North Scotland with Morrison Construction – Building North East as main contractor and architects Halliday Fraser Munro. Each of the organisations had representatives on hand to take part in the opening.
Ewen Fowlie, Operations Director for Hub North Scotland, said: “Countesswells has been a brilliant school project and the result is a fantastic building which has been completed early and defect free. It will be a popular landmark for generations to come as this community continues to grow.”
Mike Bruce, Managing Director of Morrison Construction Building North East, said: ‘It’s very satisfying to see all the hard work of our team and our local subcontractors being so well received.
“We are extremely proud of the high-quality learning environment that we’ve played our part in delivering, and seeing the smiles and excitement amongst all the pupils today makes all our efforts worthwhile.’
Countesswells is the first of two new primary schools being delivered for Aberdeen City Council by Hub North Scotland with Morrison as main contractor. The new Torry Primary School and Community Hub is currently under construction and due to be completed later this year.
Photo shows Councillors Martin Greig and Jessica Mennie with pupils at the ribbon cutting ceremony at the new Countesswells School today.