Construction has begun on the new Hazlehead Academy Campus in Aberdeen. The school is being built on the playing fields of the current academy, which will remain open and continue teaching throughout the build.

Councillor Martin Greig, Convener of the Education and Children's Services Committee, said: "This project has been long-awaited, so it is great to finally make a start and see the first signs of work on the new Hazlehead Academy. I am pleased that we are able to action this important priority at last. The project will take some time to complete, and I am very grateful to pupils and to the whole school community for being so patient as we create the new building with high quality facilities. The improved learning environment will meet the needs of generations of Hazlehead pupils into the future."

The project is being delivered by Aberdeen City Council's development partner hub North Scotland, with construction undertaken by Robertson Construction Group. It is the first scheme to break ground in the North Schools Programme, an initiative bringing together five local authorities to deliver new school estates.

Elliot Robertson, Chief Executive Officer, Robertson Group, said: "For many years Aberdeen City Council has chosen us to partner with them on numerous major projects. It's fantastic to continue that relationship and, working with hub North Scotland, support its ambitious plans to invest in education and the prosperity of future generations.

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"Hazlehead is the first project to break ground in the North Schools Programme and it will provide increased capacity, modern teaching facilities and a more sustainable, future-ready building. The school will sit at the heart of the community and, as a responsible business, we aim to deliver lasting social and economic benefits alongside the construction of the new campus.

"We look forward to working closely with hub North Scotland and Aberdeen City Council as this landmark project progresses."

The new building is expected to open in August 2028. Following the demolition of the existing school buildings, external sporting facilities are due to complete by summer 2029.

Councillor Alex McLellan, Convener of the Finance and Resources Committee, said: "This is an exciting moment for Hazlehead Academy and the wider community, marking the start of a new chapter in providing outstanding educational opportunities for our young people."

Richard Park, chief executive of hub North Scotland, said: "This campus is going to be a transformational facility for pupils in Hazlehead, Countesswells and Kingswells for generations to come. It will be the largest learning estates project we have ever delivered for Aberdeen City Council and will create an outstanding education experience."

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."

Designed to accommodate up to 1,600 pupils, the campus will include two full-size all-weather pitches and an athletics sprint track. It will also serve an expanded catchment area covering Countesswells and Kingswells.

The project has secured £100,000 of National Lottery funding from sportscotland's Sport Facilities Fund to help deliver the athletics track for pupils, local clubs and the wider community.

Forbes Dunlop, Chief Executive of sportscotland, said: "It is exciting to see work begin on the new Hazlehead Academy Campus. When it opens the athletics track will be of huge significance to sport in the area, it will be a valuable resource for clubs in the area, pupils and the wider community. The benefits of the track will be felt in athletics in the area for years to come."