Arbroath’s skyline is being transformed as development of the £12.6 million schools project begins to take shape.
Work is now progressing well on the sites after Robertson Construction took on the project following the collapse of Dundee-based Muirfield Contracts in March.
Muirfield was originally appointed to build the replacement schools but work stalled due to the firm’s financial difficulties.
Now back on track , the huge project is the multi-million-pound replacement of two town primaries at Warddykes and Timmergreens.
Councillor Sheena Welsh, Angus Council’s children and learning convener, was joined by local councillors and council officers at the Warddykes development to catch up on the project’s progress.
They were met by representatives of contractors Robertson Construction and development and procurement partners Hub East Central Scotland.
They were shown the steel structure that traces the physical shape of the new school, which is set to open next year.
Development is also fast taking shape at Timmergreens, with the framework of the school buildings now in place.
Mrs Welsh said: “It is marvellous to see both schools emerging from the architect’s initial drawings into the buildings for the community that we have been shown today.
“When complete, these schools will be a great asset to Arbroath’s children and families for generations to come.”
Timmergreens Primary School is scheduled for completion in May, with pupils moving in soon after.
Warddykes should be completed in June. Work at the site will end later in the year with the demolition of the old school.
This is the first phase of the council’s major investment programme to upgrade the town’s primary schools.
The gross costs of £12.6m for the first phase of the Arbroath Schools Project include the replacement of the two primaries, the provision of temporary accommodation for Timmergreens pupils and improvements to Muirfield Primary School.
Gary Bushnell, the chief executive of Hub East Central Scotland, said: “Our teams will continue to work closely with Angus Council and Robertson Construction to ensure successful completion of the project.”
Kevin Dickson, managing director of Robertson Construction, said: “We are very pleased to have been invited to carry the schools project to the next stage and to help create modern educational environments for young people in Arbroath.”