News:
Holmes delivers three new schools for Aberdeenshire
Leading architects Holmes Partnership, working with contractor Robertson Construction Eastern Ltd, has successfully designed and delivered three new schools for Aberdeenshire Council.
Holmes was responsible for the design of three out of a total of 7 schools commissioned by the Council from Robertson Construction Eastern Limited as part of the Aberdeenshire Schools PP2 Project. Hill of Banchory Primary School and Kintore Primary School were completed in February 2006 and Portlethen Academy was completed in July.
This is the second phase in a multi-million pound education capital investment. The schools for this phase have been specifically designed with a strong emphasis on community facilities, which has led to the inclusion of community library space, enhanced leisure facilities and nursery places.
The under lying rationale for the Schools Project is based on the premise that the improvement in the school stock will have a direct impact upon the standards of performance and attainment at the schools. Whilst the level of educational performance is good Aberdeenshire Council is committed to improving and enhancing standards.
Portlethen Academy
The new Portlethen Academy will replace the adjacent existing Academy (opened in 1987). Construction started on the new academy in August 2004 and was completed in July 2006 with pupils starting a new term in the new school in August.
The Academy is designed to accommodate 940 pupils and includes a family and community centre. The school will also open its library and sports facilities to the community. The new Portlethen Academy has a civic stature and forms the major public building in Portlethen. Departments are connected via high level walkways and bridge links and circulation and social spaces are naturally lit.
Hill of Banchory Primary School
The new Hill of Banchory Primary School is a community school with nursery, SFL (Support For Learning) and extensive community facilities built to cater for the expanding population in the Banchory area.
The completed project provides a new school for 325 primary pupils and 50 pre-school places However it is designed to allow future extension to accommodate a total of 410 primary pupils and 60 pre-school places.
Kintore Primary School
The new Kintore Primary School is a community school with nursery, SFL (Support For Learning) and extensive community facilities. The new school is now able to accommodate 410 pupils and 75 pre-school children.
The new school replaces the existing Kintore Primary School which has now been demolished. Stone from the existing school has been retained for use in the landscaping around the new school.
For further information and images contact John Pelan