Aberdeen, renowned for its historic architecture, faces a significant hurdle as it tackles the deteriorating condition of its Victorian-era schools. Plans for repairs and renovations have hit a snag due to escalating costs and the discovery of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) in three school buildings.
The local authority, responsible for overseeing the maintenance and improvement of the city’s educational infrastructure, has been compelled to revise its schools estate programme in response to the pressing safety concerns raised by the presence of RAAC in schools such as St Machar, Northfield, and Hazlehead academies.
Efforts to prioritise the safety of students and staff have led to delays and rescheduling of planned projects, with some repairs being deferred or postponed indefinitely. The amended school estate plan recently underwent scrutiny before the education and children’s services committee, where the chair acknowledged the challenges posed by the evolving situation.
While the chair commended the plan’s adaptability and realistic timelines, concerns linger over the impact of delays on vital improvement works. A business case for essential repairs to Aberdeen’s Victorian schools, initially scheduled for review in May, now faces postponement until February of the following year.
Among the most severely affected projects are the improvement works at Harlaw Academy and Ferryhill School, considered highest priority due to their current condition. These projects will proceed separately, leaving other schools vulnerable to further deterioration.
The service manager stressed the overarching priority of addressing issues across all Victorian schools while navigating resource constraints and staffing considerations. Despite ongoing efforts to conduct feasibility studies and assess the scope and cost of necessary works, the timeline for initiating repairs on the wider Victorian school estate has been pushed back to the following year.
The approval of funding for transformational work at St Peter’s RC School awaits the council’s budget decision in March. Similarly, plans to upgrade Old Aberdeen House and construct a modern facility have been approved, albeit with tentative timelines subject to adjustment.
However, delays persist elsewhere, notably in the completion of the £36.2 million Tillydrone facility, now scheduled for a later opening than initially promised. Concurrently, efforts to consolidate schools in Northfield through potential mergers aim to enhance the educational experience for students, though specifics remain pending committee review.
Meanwhile, proposed initiatives such as the construction of a new school for the Newhills area have been deferred, prompting concerns about existing school capacities. A councillor raised alarm over the overcrowding projected for Brimmond School by 2026, underscoring the urgency of addressing infrastructure needs.
In response, assurances were given of ongoing monitoring of pupil numbers and commitments to launch consultations for new school developments when deemed necessary. Plans for a school within the Loirston Loch development have also been postponed pending further assessment of demand.
As the council grapples with these challenges, an update on school estate works is due for presentation to the committee in September, highlighting ongoing efforts to navigate the complexities of educational infrastructure management amidst evolving needs and constraints.
In conclusion, Aberdeen’s struggle to address the maintenance and improvement of its Victorian schools underscores the broader challenges facing local authorities in balancing infrastructure demands with financial realities. As the city navigates these hurdles, a commitment to transparent communication and proactive planning remains paramount in ensuring the well-being and educational opportunities of its residents.
