Fresh designs revealed for Peterhead Academy

Councillors first approved plans for a £71 million community campus in 2018, which was to bring together a new Peterhead Academy, Anna Ritchie School, and a merged Dales Park and Meethill. But the project faced a setback last August when contractor Robertson Group withdrew due to rising costs, and proposals were later scaled back.

Earlier this year, Aberdeenshire Council confirmed the revised project would now focus solely on providing a new Peterhead Academy, with the other schools retained on their existing sites. The authority also admitted the opening has been pushed back until 2028 “at the earliest” – two years later than originally hoped.

Fresh planning documents describe the Kinmundy Road facility as a “recognisable new focal point for Peterhead”, designed by jmarchitects to cut carbon emissions and offer first-class facilities for both pupils and the wider community.

The school will be built to minimise energy use, with solar panels, heat pumps powered by renewable grid electricity, and no reliance on gas. Ventilation systems will ensure classrooms have fresh air even during winter.

Inside, the ground floor is set to feature drama and music studios, a sports hall, dining space and gym. A dance studio, library, design skills hub and “learning plaza” are planned for the first floor, while science labs and further classrooms will occupy the second.

Outdoor facilities include a grass pitch for football and rugby, an all-weather pitch, and a synthetic running track with a central grass field. Developers said these amenities would improve on existing provision, offering year-round use for both the school and community sports groups.

Consultation with local clubs and pitch users helped shape the design to ensure it meets the needs of Peterhead residents. Plans also feature an ASN garden and sheltered courtyards for learning and leisure.

If approved, the new-look Peterhead Academy would finally replace the current ageing school, which has long been earmarked for regeneration.