The development will transform Old Aberdeen House into a modern learning environment for primary school-aged children, with construction programmed for completion in winter 2027/28 and the new school expected to become operational in early 2028.

Old Aberdeen House will be refurbished and converted to provide 14 classrooms, a general-purpose room and a nurture and sensory room, while a new extension will include a sports hall, dining hall and staff facilities. Once complete, the two-stream school will be able to accommodate up to 434 pupils.

Councillor Alex McLellan, convener of the Finance and Resources Committee, said: “Reaching contract close is an important milestone for the St Peter’s RC School project and allows us to move forward with the next stages of construction.

“This represents a significant investment in the school estate and will provide pupils and staff with a modern, high-quality learning environment that will serve the school community for many years to come.”

Councillor Martin Greig, convener of the Education and Children’s Services Committee, said: “I am delighted that we are actioning this important priority. Pupils will benefit from the significantly enhanced learning environment that is being created for them. The new build will have excellent facilities, high quality spaces and improved amenities. It’s great to see this advanced stage of construction. It is very satisfying to make this major project happen.”

The project is being delivered through hub North Scotland’s North Schools Programme on behalf of Aberdeen City Council, with Robertson Construction as the main contractor and jmarchitects providing architectural services.

Scott Brown, project director, hub North Scotland, said: “We are delighted to reach contract close on this landmark project in partnership with Aberdeen City Council. Through the refurbishment and extension of Old Aberdeen House, we will create a modern, sustainable school while safeguarding a historic building that is an important part of the city’s identity. This investment will leave a lasting legacy for pupils, families, and the wider St Peter’s community for many years to come.”

Elliot Robertson, chief executive officer, Robertson Group, said: “Reaching contract close at St Peter’s is an important milestone and reflects the strength of our longstanding partnership with hub North Scotland and Aberdeen City Council. Together, we are building on a strong track record of delivering high-quality schools and creating a modern learning environment that will support pupils, staff and the wider community for generations to come.”

Planning permission for the development was approved in August 2026, while enabling works, including the demolition of the existing St Peter’s RC School and janitor’s house, have been completed. Intrusive surveys of Old Aberdeen House have also been carried out.

Over the coming months, work will include ground and drainage works for the extension, construction of the foundations and ground-floor slab, and erection of the main steel frame. Work to Old Aberdeen House will include the start of the installation of new stairs and replacement windows.