The Stewart Milne Group development will provide much needed housing, including affordable homes, and employment opportunities for Aberdeen and the surrounding region.

Newly released images provide a glimpse of what can be expected as the new community, complete with extensive green and public spaces, takes shape to the west of the city.

The first phase of the town, comprising more than 200 homes, will include detached, semi-detached, terraced homes and apartments, all set within the surroundings of public and green spaces, including a square and central park.

Countesswells is being taken forward by Countesswells Development Limited, which is a wholly owned subsidiary of Stewart Milne Group.

Glenn Allison, Stewart Milne Group chief executive, said: “The quality of its setting has inspired the vision for Countesswells. Throughout the design process, account has been taken of the community’s unique rural setting and the best aspects of traditional architecture in the north-east of Scotland – inspiring contemporary homes set within a carefully planned and high amenity environment.

“From the public spaces, streets and lanes and the landscaping and planting through to the design and detailing of the homes, we have considered how each element relates to the others and the overall community effect.

“The result will be a community of unique character that reflects the quality of its setting and which is well connected in terms of the relationships between homes, public spaces and amenities and to the city and surrounding countryside. The carefully considered mix of house types and design will further contribute to the sense of a true community of character and quality.

“This is an enormously exciting project for us as we prepare to create the first homes, streets and neighbourhoods. The results of which are going to make a lasting impression on residents and visitors alike in the years to come while making a strategic contribution to the city and region’s housing supply and quality of environment.”

The development of the community of Countesswells will be phased over 15 years, boosting the local economy and supporting around 1,000 construction jobs in the region.

Purpose-built facilities within Countesswells, which will benefit the wider community, will include a new secondary school and two primary schools, healthcare facilities, local business units, retail and leisure space, together with high quality open spaces linking the community to the existing environmental resources at Countesswells and Hazlehead.

The project will also include upgraded access roads.