Aberdeen City Council is set to consult the public on its proposal to build a new 1,600 capacity secondary school on the current Hazlehead Academy playing fields.
The statutory public consultation will include proposed changes to the existing Countesswells Associated Schools Groups (ASGs) catchment areas, and create a new catchment area which would be served by the new secondary school.
The instruction to carry out the consultation followed an Outline Business Case on the proposals being presented to members of the Education and Children’s Services Committee today (Tuesday 21 November).
Councillor Martin Greig, the Convener of the Education and Children’s Services Committee, said: “A new secondary school for Hazlehead and area is an important priority. The public consultation will allow people to have their say about this proposal. I encourage anyone who has questions or comments to take part and express their views."
Councillor Jessica Mennie, Vice-Convener of the Education and Children’s Services Committee, said: “The public consultation will allow everyone with an interest, particularly people currently living in the Hazlehead/Countesswells area and anyone considering moving to the location to be part of the discussion.”
The Outline Business Case will go before the Finance and Resources Committee on Wednesday 22 November (2023) for its approval ‘in principle’ for the use of resources for the project subject to the outcome of the statutory consultation, and any decision taken at the Council’s Budget Meeting in March 2024.
A report on the outcome of the consultation will be presented to the Education and Children’s Services Committee in Summer 2024.
The recommendation to proceed to the design development stage to deliver a 21st century learning environment for St Peter's Roman Catholic School within the historically important Old Aberdeen House and new two-storey extension, was also agreed by the Education and Children’s Services Committee today.
The site has been chosen as it was most viable, carried the least risk and had the best long term investment to meet net zero targets, as well as being a great location to serve the community.
Councillor Martin Greig, Convener, said: “The refurbishment of Old Aberdeen House will provide a new and high quality learning environment for St Peter’s School. This is a welcome step forward at last that will benefit the whole school community."
Vice-Convener Councillor Jessica Mennie said: “The location of Old Aberdeen House makes it well positioned to continue to serve the community and provide a learning environment fit-for-purpose, which will offer a range of benefits to St Peter’s pupils, staff and the wider community.”
The proposals for the project will be included in the Council’s budget in 2024.