Council given keys to new school

Construction of the £47 million Lochside Academy has been completed as Aberdeen City Council prepares for the first intake of pupils in August.

Lochside Academy replaces Kincorth Academy and Torry Academy, which will close at the end of the current term, and its catchment area in the south of the city includes Cove.

The completed building was handed over to the council by developers North Scotland and main contractor Balfour Beatty yesterday.

An intensive fit out period will take place over the summer to

“Lochside Academy is an impressive school”

prepare for the new school year.

With a capacity of up to 1,350 pupils, the three-storey building incorporates community facilities including a sixlane swimming pool, fitness suite, dance and drama studios, 4G sports pitches, games halls and library. It represents the largest single investment in the Aberdeen school estate.

Lochside Academy will welcome pupils on August 23 – the same day on which the £13m Stoneywood School will open its doors. Both schools open a day later than others in the city to allow staff to prepare in their new surroundings.

Council co-leaders Jenny Laing and Douglas Lumsden toured the new school. Mrs Laing said: “Lochside Academy is an impressive school which will serve the south of the city well for generations to come. Despite the scale of the project, it has been designed to ensure a welcoming and nurturing atmosphere that will support modern learning.”