New images have been released of how a proposed multi-millionpound primary school in Aberdeen could look if it gains approval from councillors.
Following public consultations, a detailed application, seeking planning permission, has been officially submitted to the city council for the new £13 million Stoneywood Primary School.
Designed by architectural firm, Scott Brownrigg, the new facility will be constructed on the grounds of the former Bankhead Academy, close to the A96 Aberdeen to Inverurie road, which was demolished following a fire in 2012.
The school will also include eco-friendly facilities, including low energy central heating and solar panels
Operated and funded by the city council itself, the new development will replace the current Stoneywood School building, which is beginning to show its age.
It will provide places for 434 primary pupils from the existing Stoneywood School, and additional pupils who will be rezoned from the nearby Brimmond School catchment zone – as well as places for 60 children aged between three and four in its nursery.
In the design statement, the architects explained the school’s blueprints were drafted with Education Scotland’s Curriculum for Excellence scheme in mind.
The firm believes that by constructing the new school around a central “nucleus”, children will be able to quickly and easily navigate between areas for education, exercise and play.
Their application stated: “The heart or nucleus of the school is the common areas, the dining room, gym and library which are the key communal and flexible activity spaces.
Space will be provided to encourage children to play outside
“These have been positioned to ensure they are connective spaces, that have the flexibility to be opened up and separated as required.
“Curriculum for Excellence is at the core of our design approach, ensuring that we have provided external access from every classroom.”
The plans also include plenty of outdoor activities for youngsters, including a sensory garden, an orchard with insect and bird boxes, and open spaces of grass and asphalt for sports and games.
Work on the school, if plans are approved by the local authority’s planning committee, could be completed in time for the 2017-18 school session.
