Robertson Construction, the main contractor, will start installing fencing this week to create a secure compound and set up CCTV. A temporary access from Groat’s Road is being formed, along with temporary site accommodation.
Once the compound is in place, tree felling will start next week. The following week, work will begin on stripping out the former janitors’ houses, and further fencing will be added to extend the compound around the former swimming pool.
The demolition of the janitors’ houses and further tree felling will be completed before Christmas, with materials removed from the site.
Councillor Martin Greig, Convener of the Education and Children’s Services Committee, said:
“This marks an exciting milestone for Aberdeen’s educational future. The new Hazlehead Academy Campus will provide a modern, inspiring environment that supports learning, wellbeing and opportunities for our young people.”
Councillor Jessica Mennie, Vice-Convener of the Committee, said:
“Beginning preparation works is the first step towards delivering a state-of-the-art facility that will serve generations. This investment reflects our commitment to high-quality education and the growth of our communities.”
The new campus is being built on the existing school’s playing fields. Hazlehead Academy will continue to operate as normal and will not be affected. Plant and materials will be delivered before the start of the school day to minimise any disruption.
The campus is due for completion in August 2028. It is being delivered by Aberdeen City Council’s development partner, hub North Scotland, and is the first project in the North Schools Programme—an initiative involving five local authorities to jointly develop new school estates.
Ewen Fowlie, Operations Director for hub North Scotland, said:
“These enabling works are essential to prepare the site for construction next year and represent a major milestone for our North Schools Programme.”
Elliot Robertson, Chief Executive Officer of Robertson Group, said:
“This milestone shows clear progress on Hazlehead Academy Campus, which will provide increased capacity, modern teaching spaces and a more sustainable, future-ready building.”
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 tied to outcomes such as good campus condition, energy efficiency, digital connectivity, economic benefit and reduced embodied carbon.”
The new campus will accommodate up to 1,600 pupils and include two full-size all-weather pitches and an athletic sprint track. It will offer a flexible, state-of-the-art environment designed to support 21st-century learning, wellbeing and economic growth.
The campus will serve an expanded catchment area including Countesswells and Kingswells.