The new nursery is Phase 1 in a two-phase project which is part of Aberdeen City Council’s wider suitability improvement initiative to create an enhanced learning environment for nursery and primary school-aged children in the Ferryhill area. 

Councillor Martin Greig, convener of the Education and Children’s Services Committee, said: “It’s great to get the shovel in the ground so that this major upgrade project at Ferryhill School can begin. I am delighted that the school will benefit from a new nursery building as well as significant refurbishment and extension work.

“The considerable investment of £17.1m by Aberdeen City Council will really improve the learning environment for the pupils for generations to come. The excellent new facilities will enhance the opportunities to support and care for the young people. It is a place where they can be inspired to be creative and adventurous.”

Councillor Jessica Mennie, vice-convener of Education and Children’s Services Committee, said: “I share the excitement and anticipation of Ferryhill School pupils and staff as work begins on their new nursery ahead of major improvement works to the school building.”

The nursery will address the limitations of the existing provision and provide significantly upgraded facilities for pupils and staff. The construction work is being undertaken by Morrison Construction North with local architects Mackie Ramsay Taylor responsible for the design work.

Designed with modern learning and play in mind, the nursery will feature a large, open-plan, and well-lit playroom and covered external spaces, seamlessly connecting indoor and outdoor environments to offer year-round access to play and learning areas. The building is designed to achieve high environmental standards, reflecting the Council’s and architects’ commitment to sustainability.

The nursery building will meet high energy-efficiency standards, showcasing a commitment to sustainability. Heated by air-source heat pumps and powered in part by rooftop photovoltaic panels, it will be an example of responsible design.

The construction work is expected to be finished this summer with pupils set to move into their new nursery in August 2025.

Ferryhill Nursery will be completed as work begins on Phase 2, which will see Ferryhill School handed over to Morrison Construction at the start of the summer to begin a major refurbishment and extension of the building. 

The Ferryhill School improvements will mean greater flexibility and better use of space across the whole school site; a modern dining facility providing a much improved experience for the pupils and staff, and facilitate any future free school meals expansion; a double-court PE hall, which conforms with Sport Scotland guidance; and the improved nursery provision including direct access to the outdoors.

Mike Bruce, managing director, Morrison Construction North, said: “Morrison are delighted to be involved in the construction of Ferryhill Nursery, these works will involve the Nursery, playing field and the attenuation system for the Primary School extension due to start this summer. As ever we will be using local Sub Contractors, with our own labour planned to complete the kit frame which is due to start next month.”

Bruce Ballance, director, Mackie Ramsay Taylor Architects, said: “This project marks a significant milestone in Mackie Ramsay Taylor’s broader vision to create an innovative, sustainable, and community-focused educational setting.

“While the first phase is the state-of-the-art standalone nursery, future phases will include the extension of the primary school and the creation of a central landscaped area, further enhancing the educational environment. We look forward to the positive impact this development will have on the school community.”

During Phase 2 of the project, the pupils and staff at Ferryhill School will temporarily relocate to the vacant Walker Road School building, to ensure uninterrupted learning.