Work has begun on a replacement for one of Moray’s largest secondary schools.

The new Elgin Academy will be built next to the existing school, which dates from the late 1960s.

The first turf on the site was cut yesterday today by Councillor Jeff Hamilton, chairman of Moray Council’s children and young people’s services committee.

He said: “Although it seems to have been a long time coming, I am delighted that work has begun on this new state-of-the-art school for Elgin.

“The new academy, which has been developed as a partnership project, will provide our young people with first-class accommodation and resources, suited for education in the 21st century.”

The £40million contract to replace both Elgin Academy and Keith Primary School has been awarded to IPP (Moray Schools) Ltd and was signed in Edinburgh yesterday following the completion of the key stage review process with the Scottish Futures Trust.

The schools are being funded through a non-profit distributing company (NPD) arrangement and both will be built by Aberdeen-based Stewart Milne Construction with FES FM, based in Stirling, operating and maintaining the schools for a 30-year contract period once they are completed.

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The new Elgin Academy is expected to welcome its first pupils in February 2012.

Work on the replacement for Keith Primary will begin during the forthcoming summer holidays and is scheduled for completion in October 2011.

At both locations care will be taken by the contractor to minimise disruption to everyday school life while construction work is in progress.

The contractor has also undertaken to keep the schools and local residents informed about progress and to give notice of major operations on site.

The replacement academy will have a pupil capacity of 1050 and the accommodation will comprise classrooms plus a games hall, gym, fitness suite and dance studio.

There will also be facilities for the full range of pupil support and for a multi-agency locality team.

Outdoor facilities will include a full-size floodlit all-weather pitch, two grass pitches, a six-lane grass running track and a secure terraced courtyard.

Arrangements will also be incorporated to ensure that school users can arrive safely on foot or by bicycle, car or bus.

Speaking ahead of the turf-cutting ceremony, Stewart Milne Construction managing director Bill Imlach said: “This is a big day for the council and the Stewart Milne Construction team is delighted to be part of such an exciting project.

“When completed, this project will have created a state-of-the-art school benefiting from the latest in sustainable technologies and specification which will improve and enhance life for pupils and staff as well as bringing significant energy savings.”

FES FM business director David Smith added: “FES FM are excited to be part of this project to help Moray Council in its educational aspirations for the people of Moray and look forward to having a positive impact upon the local communities and their aspirations.”

(GK)