A new £17million special needs school in Aberdeen is a step closer to becoming a reality after a contract to build the new facility was signed off.
Work on the Centre of Excellence at Howes Road will start in December and is expected to be completed by April 2017.
The new school – which replaces Woodlands and Hazelwood schools – will cater for up to 150 children with severe and complex support needs aged between three and 18.
A pre-school additional support service, currently provided at Seaton School, will also be relocated to the new campus.
The Centre of Excellence will be delivered by Aberdeen City Council and its development partner Hub North Scotland Limited. Ogilvie Construction has been appointed as the main contractor.
The council’s convener of education and children’s services committee, Angela Taylor, said: “This is a special day for the staff, children and parents of Woodlands School and Hazelwood School communities.
“It is yet another example of this council’s determination to build the finest school accommodation to allow all of our young people reach their potential.
“It also sees our continuing desire to work in partnership with other agencies such as NHS Grampian to deliver a holistic service which fully meets the needs of children with complex additional support needs.
“We will continue to work with the young people, their parents and staff in the coming months to ensure a smooth transition to the new school.”
Angus Macfarlane, chief executive of Hub North Scotland, said it would be a “first-class” facility.
“Once complete, the project will enhance the care and education provision for children with additional support needs here in Aberdeen by providing a facility that many children and young people can benefit from for years to come,” he said.