Airyhall will be among the new schools being built

Aberdeen City Council has revealed a British, Danish and Icelandic consortium as the preferred bidder for the 3Rs project.

Council leader Kate Dean said it was a major milestone for city education.

There will be seven new primaries and two secondaries. Stewart Milne Construction will carry out much of the work, which starts in July next year.

The 3Rs project is a major step in the regeneration of Aberdeen's schools estate and the communities that they serve Kate Dean Council leader

NYOP Education has been appointed as the preferred bidder for the multi-million pound project.

Ms Dean said: "This is fantastic news for the city of Aberdeen and we are delighted to be working with our preferred bidder.

"The 3Rs project is a major step in the regeneration of Aberdeen's schools estate and the communities that they serve.

"As a result, two secondary schools will be replaced, seven new primary schools will be built and one totally refurbished."

Phased basis

The first new school to be opened is expected to be the Northfield West school at Davidson Drive in the summer of 2008.

The work on each of the schools will be done on a phased basis but with several schools being constructed simultaneously. The final school is due to open in October, 2009.

Seaton Primary School will be completely remodelled. There will be a new Northfield East, Kaimhill Primary School will be replaced and Hazlehead Primary School will also be replaced.

There will be a new Northfield West and Beechwood School and Mile End School will be replaced. Braehead Primary School will see Balgownie and Upper Westfield Primary Schools combined.

Airyhall and Braeside Schools have now come together under one head teacher and will combine in a new school.