The new Harris Academy began to rise from the old yesterday as concrete was laid to mark the start of building work on the £31 million project.
The occasion was witnessed by pupils who are shaping the future of the famous Dundee educational institution.
They are members of the project board whose views are being factored in to the new school which they will march into in two years’ time.It is a future being built on the school’s past, as not only are the fine traditions the place of learning has followed since its opening in 1931 being maintained.The stonework from the old school has been crushed down and used in the foundations of the Perth Road site for the new building.
Harris pupils were decanted to the Rockwell school site last September and demolition of the 1930s classrooms was completed last month. The project to build a new school is expected to be completed in 2016.
Original features such as the clock tower and stone entrance portico are being retained and reused.
Dundee education convener Stewart Hunter joined the pupils, head teacher Jim Thewliss and representatives of main contractor Robertson at the site.
Mr Hunter said: “I am pleased that funding through the Scottish Futures Trust is helping to provide a building designed to meet the educational challenges of the future.
“These are exciting times for everyone connected with Harris Academy and I am sure they will be watching progress with interest.
“We have been working closely with the Scottish Government to ensure that this investment is in place.”
Mr Thewliss said: “This is a hugely exciting and uplifting time, to see the new school start to grow from the site of the old.
“It is also good that pupils who began their secondary education here and then moved with the school to the Rockwell site can be back here to see taking shape the new Harris that they will return to in March 2016.”
Keith Taylor, regional managing director at Robertson, said: “Work is now under way on this exciting project to replace a building which is no longer fit for purpose.
“Over the course of the next two-and-a-half-years we will deliver a well-designed, modern space for 1,200 pupils which will also be open for community use.
“The development will also create a range of local jobs and training opportunities which will help to leave a lasting legacy for the local community.”
The new 15,000 square metre building being constructed on the 2.3 hectare site will have classrooms, a kitchen/dining room, hospitality suite, performance space with stage lighting and sound system, sports facilities including a swimming pool and an external plaza off the main entrance.
The sports and other facilities will be available for let by community groups.