Pupils, parents, staff, and community representatives celebrated the official opening of the new £28million Greyhope School and Community Hub in Torry today (Thursday 30 November).
Aberdeen City Council’s newest school, which welcomed pupils for the first time at the start of November, replaces Walker Road School. It has room for up to 434 primary pupils and 100 Early Learning and Nursery places, and hosts a range of essential services including housing and health support, community learning, a library and café.
Councillor Martin Greig, Convener of Aberdeen City Council’s Education and Children’s Services Committee, said: “I am delighted to officially open Greyhope School and Community Hub today. The new school is a splendid facility that has been carefully designed for the benefit of the young people of Torry. The rooms and spaces offer a high quality learning and caring environment.
“The Community Hub is already becoming a busy hive of activity that provides a wide range of additional services to the local area at various times of the day. Everyone is settling in well. It's good to hear pupils and residents say how pleased they are with their fine new building. Greyhope will make a real difference and serve Torry for generations to come."
Councillor Jessica Mennie, Vice-Convener, of the Education and Children’s Services Committee, said: “Today has been a fabulous occasion where pupils, staff, parents and the wider community have come together to celebrate the official opening of Greyhope School and Community Hub. The excitement and enthusiasm highlights the importance of the building for everyone living in the Torry area.”
Ross Watson, Headteacher, of Greyhope School and Community Hub, said: “It was wonderful to be joined at the opening by members of our school, local community, and council staff. It was a great way to celebrate this new facility and I’m pleased that our pupils played such a key role in the event. We look forward to working with the community, partners in Torry and services in Aberdeen to deliver the best possible outcomes for our children and families.”
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.
Ewen Fowlie, Operations Director for Hub North Scotland, who were the Council’s development partner for the project, said: “Greyhope is an outstanding community facility which is already providing a wonderful learning environment for children and excellent services for Torry residents. This building will be a community landmark enjoyed by everyone for generations to come.”
The Greyhope School and Community Hub has been built on the former Torry Academy site on Tullos Circle.
The school build benefited from £2m Regional Capital Grant Funding from the Scottish Government.
Photo: Councillor Martin Greig cuts the ribbon to officially open Greyhope School and Community Hub. He was joined by Co-Leaders Councillor Ian Yuill (L) and Councillor Christian Allard (R); Ross Watson, headteacher; and pupils and staff.