Aberdeen City Council, in partnership with Hub North Scotland and the architectural firm jmarchitects, has officially submitted proposals to significantly expand and modernize the aging educational facilities at St Peters RC School. The ambitious plan aims to address long-standing concerns about the poor quality of the current teaching environment while increasing student capacity to 434 pupils. The project, filed on January 7, 2026, represents a commitment to preserving the school's heritage in the historic Old Aberdeen district while meeting contemporary educational standards. The development is strategically located on King Street, an area known for its architectural significance and proximity to the University of Aberdeen.
The proposal consists of two separate but complementary planning applications designed to maximize the use of existing structures while adding modern amenities. The first application focuses on repairing and reconfiguring an underutilized building dating back to 1900, which will be transformed into the main classroom hub for the school. This historic structure will undergo extensive renovation to bring it up to current building codes and educational specifications while retaining its original character. The second application calls for constructing a brand-new extension that will house a double-height games hall and dining facility, which will be built on the site of the current playground area. This new addition is essential for accommodating the increased student population and providing adequate recreational and mealtime spaces.
According to the detailed planning statement submitted by jmarchitects, the design philosophy emphasizes respectful coexistence with the existing historic fabric rather than direct imitation. The new extension will deliberately complement but not attempt to replicate the architecture of Old Aberdeen House, allowing the original building to remain the dominant visual feature on the campus. The architects have proposed a contemporary material palette that includes a robust brick base course, which provides durability in the high-traffic playground area while maintaining a clean, modern aesthetic. For the upper levels, standing seam metal cladding has been selected as a lightweight yet resilient solution that adds vertical emphasis to the building's form, creating a striking visual contrast with the historic structures.
The site plan includes the demolition of the current school building and the adjacent janitor's house to make way for replacement playground space, ensuring that outdoor recreational areas are not diminished by the expansion. The new games and dining hall will stand prominently alongside the main teaching block, creating a cohesive campus layout that serves the needs of both students and staff. The project team has carefully considered the balance between built environment and open space, recognizing the importance of outdoor play in primary education. This comprehensive approach demonstrates the council's commitment to delivering a 21st-century learning environment within a historically sensitive context.
The decision to retain and renovate the 1900 building reflects broader preservation values in Old Aberdeen, where architectural heritage plays a crucial role in community identity. Unlike previous proposals in 2019 that suggested relocating the entire school, this plan keeps St Peters RC School rooted in its historic location, maintaining continuity for generations of families. The architectural strategy acknowledges that adaptive reuse of historic buildings can be both economically and environmentally sustainable compared to new construction. By positioning the modern extension as a distinct but harmonious addition, the design team honors the past while embracing the future of educational architecture.
Public reaction to the proposal has been mixed, with some community members expressing skepticism about the design aesthetic. Online comments have described the renderings as resembling industrial units, with one critic calling the design horrendous. These reactions highlight the challenge of introducing contemporary architecture into historically sensitive areas where expectations for visual continuity remain high. Despite this criticism, the planning applications are moving forward through the approval process, with stakeholders emphasizing the urgent need to replace inadequate teaching facilities. The success of the project will ultimately depend on balancing community aesthetic concerns with the practical necessities of modern education and historic preservation.
