Work to replace an overcrowded north-east primary school will begin early next year after the council announced a £12million construction deal.
Morrison Construction has been appointed as the main contractor for the replacement Markethill Primary School in Turriff, and the new development is expected to be complete by August 2017.
The existing school is already over capacity and earlier this year councillors were forced to cap the school roll to stop it spiralling further out of control.
Money has already been allocated in the local authority’s capital plan and last night senior councillors welcomed the news that work to build the 505-pupil capacity replacement will finally get underway.
Chairwoman of Aberdeenshire Council’s committee councillor Alison Evison said: “The new primary school will increase the capacity and improve on the existing facilities in Turriff and is a key part of the council’s school estate capital plan.
“I am sure parents will welcome the news that a contractor has been appointed and work can now progress on facilities in which young people can flourish and which the wider community can enjoy too.”
Councillor Rob Merson, chairman of the local area committee, echoed her thoughts.
“Huge investment has taken place in recent years across the authority to improve buildings and facilities in Aberdeenshire,” he said.
“I welcome the approval of the main contractor for this project and look forward to seeing it progress as will residents in Turriff and the surrounding area serving the school community.”
The new school will be located at Meadowbank Road with space for future expansion as well as a larger nursery facility.
The school will have 18 classrooms, a library, a gym with courts and changing rooms, a dining hall and additional needs facilities.
The announcement follows a lengthy public consultation and a decision to suspend education at the existing school – which has a capacity of 360 and a roll of 469 – from July 2017.
Last night Mike Bruce, the regional director of Morrison Construction, said the firm was delighted to have won the contract.
He added: “Many of our staff have a strong personal interest in the project having grown up in the area.
“In fact, George Morrison, who heads up the team, has lived in Turriff for 43 years and three generations of his family have been educated at the existing school.”