22 February 2021

Hillside School extension complete

An extension to Hillside Primary School worth in the region of £1.1 million is now complete.

The four-classroom extension sees additional space for music and drama lessons as well as communal or general breakout areas.

The extension was completed in January, a year after construction began. Temporary accommodation was provided whilst the building works were carried out.

Cllr Gillian Owen, Aberdeenshire Council’s Education and Children’s Services Committee chair, said: “When Hillside School was designed provision was made at the time to incorporate future expansion should the school roll increase. It is good that the extension is now complete so that everyone can work in a more spacious environment.

“Whilst there was a delay to the completion due to the Coronavirus and resultant Covid-19 restrictions, it is satisfying that even in the midst of a global pandemic the council and its partners, including delivery partner Bancon Construction, worked together to ensure the completion of the project.

“It is also pleasing that the extension will assist with our delivery of the Scottish Government’s expansion of 1140 free early learning and childcare fully funded hours, which Aberdeenshire is on target to meet the August deadline of offering the entitlement in full.”

Committee vice chair Cllr Rosemary Bruce added: “The council is committed to creating state-of-the-art learning environments. I would like to thank Bancon Construction for the work they have done in the completion of this extension which will provide additional space for a host of teaching and learning activities. Well done too to the Learning Estates Team for working tirelessly to upgrade existing schools as well as leading on enhancing our schools, nurseries and educational facilities.”