Aberdeen City Council has announced a key milestone in its £29 million refurbishment, conversion, and extension of St Peter's RC School, with the main works contract officially reaching financial close.

The scheme will convert Old Aberdeen House into a contemporary educational facility for primary pupils. Main construction is scheduled to complete in winter 2027/28, with the new school expected to open its doors to pupils in early 2028.

Under the plans, the refurbished Old Aberdeen House will feature 14 classrooms, a general-purpose room, and a dedicated nurture and sensory space. A brand-new extension will accommodate a sports hall, dining hall, and staff facilities. Upon completion, the two-stream primary school will have capacity for 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."

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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 redevelopment is being delivered on behalf of Aberdeen City Council via hub North Scotland's North Schools Programme. Robertson Construction serves as the main contractor, with architectural design supplied by JM Architects.

Scott Brown, Project Director at 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 of 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 consent for the scheme was granted in August 2026. Preparatory enabling works have already concluded, including the demolition of the former St Peter's RC School building and janitor's house, alongside intrusive surveys of Old Aberdeen House.

Upcoming works over the coming months will focus on groundworks and drainage for the new extension, foundation construction, laying the ground-floor slab, and erecting the structural steel frame. Concurrently, work within Old Aberdeen House will involve commencing the installation of replacement windows and new staircases.