Building plans for a new community campus in Alford have taken a step forward after receiving approval from Aberdeenshire Council.

Progress on the £37m school and community facility was discussed last week and it is hoped work will begin on site by December 2013.

Proposed designs for the school and community campus include a 640-pupil academy, 355-pupil primary, a swimming pool, public library, community learning and development facilities and additional support needs accommodation.

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Part-funding for the project was awarded by the Scottish Government in September 2012 via the Scottish Futures Trust (SFT) and after a Policy and Resources Committee meeting, Councillors decided to approve a recommendation for the build to be delivered by hub North Scotland Limited (hub North).

Hub is a partnership between public and private sector organisations, including the SFT, which is aimed at building and delivering better local services together across the north of Scotland. As part of the programme, the Alford Community Campus is one of seven schools in the north territory being delivered.

Meanwhile, work is continuing to secure the land needed to construct a relief road, which will provide access to the school site and tenders for phased road construction works have been issued.

The project is expected to be completed by June 2015.

(JP/CD)