EARLY HANDOVER FOR HARRIS ACADEMY

Pupils will move into the stunning new Harris Academy next month in Dundee after hub East Central Scotland handed the building over ahead of schedule. The new £31 million school includes a swimming pool, recording studio, a games hall with four badminton courts and a science hub. The project was led by hub East Central Scotland in partnership with Dundee Council, Scottish Futures Trust and Robertson Tayside and the building includes many original features of the old school, including the clock tower and stone entrance portico. The school will open for senior pupils in June, with the building open to all year groups in August. Pupils will also transfer to Harris Academy from Menzieshill High School, which the council has agreed to close. Dundee City Council Children and Families Service Convener, Councillor Stewart Hunter said: “This is a tremendous development for everyone connected with Harris Academy. “This stunning new school building is designed to meet the educational challenges of the future and be an inspirational learning centre for our young people.” Gary Bushnell, Chief Executive, hub East Central Scotland, said: “Our team worked closely with Dundee City Council to manage the project to early completion and hand over a high quality school building that meets the long term needs of pupils, teachers and the wider community. This project delivered significant additional community benefits with three quarters of it’s value awarded to businesses in the region, as well as the creation of 17 work placements and 7 apprenticeships.”