Hazlehead Academy Campus contractor moves on site

Operatives from the main contractor Robertson Construction will begin setting up fencing this week to establish a secure compound and install CCTV for safety and security. A temporary access from Groat’s Road is also being created and temporary site accommodation for the contractor is to be installed.

Once the compound has been completed, tree felling work will begin next week within the secure area. The following week will see work begin on stripping out the former janitors’ houses on the site and further fencing installed to extend the compound around the former swimming pool building.

The demolition of the janitors’ houses and further tree felling will be completed before Christmas and materials removed from the site.

Councillor Martin Greig, convener of the Education and Children’s Services Committee, Aberdeen City Council, said: “This marks an exciting milestone for Aberdeen’s education future.  The new Hazlehead Academy Campus will provide a modern, inspiring environment for learning and wellbeing ensuring our young people have the best possible opportunities to thrive.”

Councillor Jessica Mennie, the vice-convener of the Education and Children’s Services Committee, said: “Starting preparation works is the first step towards delivering a state-of-the-art facility that will serve generations to come. This investment reflects our commitment to high-quality education and to supporting the growth of our communities. 

The new campus is being built on the playing fields for the existing school. The current Hazlehead Academy will continue to operate as normal and will not be affected by the works. Any required plant or materials will be delivered to the site before the start of the school day to avoid any disruption to pupils and staff.

The news campus is due to be completed in August 2028. It is being delivered by Aberdeen City Council’s development partner hub North Scotland and is the first project to begin in the North Schools Programme, which is a pioneering initiative by five local authorities to work together in delivering new school estate.

Ewen Fowlie, Operations Director for hub North Scotland, said: “These enabling works are essential to prepare the site for construction works next year. It is also a landmark moment for our North Schools Programme as Hazlehead is the first school to begin on site.”

Elliot Robertson, Chief Executive Officer, Robertson Group, said: “This milestone marks clear progress on Hazlehead Academy Campus, which will provide increased capacity, modern teaching facilities and a more sustainable, future-ready building. Our team has extensive experience delivering complex education projects in Aberdeen and across the country, and the advance works now under way are essential to preparing for full construction next year.”

Stephen Long, senior associate director at the Scottish Futures Trust (SFT), said:  “Hazlehead Academy Campus is being delivered through the SFT-managed Learning Estate Investment Programme, where funding is released on the achievement of set outcomes which include the ongoing good condition of the campus, energy efficiency targets, digital connectivity, economic growth and embodied carbon.

“When this campus is complete it will provide a high-quality, sustainable learning environment that supports teaching excellence and will enrich the lives of its pupils.”

The new Hazlehead Academy Campus will have capacity for up to 1,600-pupils, two full-size all-weather pitches and an athletic sprint track. It will be a flexible, state-of-the-art facility to promote 21st century learning, wellbeing and economic growth.

The campus will serve a new expanded catchment area which includes Countesswells and Kingswells.