Aberdeenshire Council has formally approved plans for the multi-million-pound Peterhead Community Campus, clearing the path for construction to begin on the town’s long-delayed secondary school replacement.
The decision, made on Tuesday by the Buchan Area Committee, marks a critical milestone for a project that has been beset by inflationary pressures and significant rescoping. Under the approved timeline, construction of the 1,400-capacity academy at Kinmundy Road is scheduled to commence in April 2026, with the facility opening to pupils in August 2028.
The approval comes nearly a year after the council was forced to scale back its original vision for the campus. In February 2025, rising construction costs prompted officials to remove three primary and special education schools – Dales Park, Meethill, and Anna Ritchie – from the project scope, leaving the existing academy as the sole focus of the new build.
The scheme faced uncertainty in late 2024 when the original construction partner withdrew due to escalating costs, forcing a complete re-evaluation of the budget and design.
While the specific final price tag remains commercially sensitive, the development represents a “huge multi-million” investment for the region. The new campus will feature state-of-the-art science labs, creative studios, and a “learning plaza” designed to facilitate modern flexible study.
Externally, the site will host improved sports facilities, including an all-weather rugby and football pitch and a synthetic running track, which Sport Scotland has confirmed will offer superior utility to the historic pitches they replace.
Councillor Dianne Beagrie, chair of the Buchan Area Committee, welcomed the committee’s decision:
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“We are delighted to have approved the plans for this long-awaited new academy. Councillors expressed enthusiasm for the transformational impact the new Peterhead Academy will have on learners, staff, families and the wider Buchan community.”
Next Steps
With planning permission secured, the project now moves to the final technical design phase. Enabling works, including demolition of the existing pavilion, began in November 2025 to prepare the Kinmundy site.
Once the new academy is operational in 2028, the council intends to redevelop the current academy site to retain and upgrade community facilities such as the theatre and swimming pool, ensuring a dual-site community campus model for the town.
