Work has commenced on the new £31m Harris Academy in Dundee.

The project will see a new school constructed on the site of the former 1930s building on Perth Road in the city. It is expected to be completed by 2016.

A number of the building's original features, such as the clock tower and the stone entrance portico, are being retained and reused by the contractors. Demolition work was completed in the New Year, with concrete being laid on site on Monday to mark the start of the project.

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Dundee City Council's Education Convener Councillor Stewart Hunter visited the site on Monday and said: "I am pleased that funding through the Scottish Futures Trust is helping to provide a building designed to meet the educational challenges of the future.

"These are exciting times for everyone connected with Harris Academy and I am sure that they will be watching progress with interest.

"We have been working closely with the Scottish Government to ensure that this investment is in place."

Keith Taylor, Regional Managing Director at Robertson added: "Work is now underway on this exciting project to replace a building which is no longer fit for purpose.

"Over the course of the next two-and-a-half-years we will deliver a well designed, modern space for 1,200 pupils which will also be open for community use.

"The development will also create a range of local jobs and training opportunities which will help to leave a lasting legacy for the local community."

(JP/IT)