Cults Academy construction milestone marked by Scandinavian-style “topping out”
30/06/08
A special Danish “topping out” ceremony has been held to mark a major milestone in the construction of the new Cults Academy.
This traditional Scandinavian ceremony takes place when the main framework of a building has been completed and the roof installed.
The event, featuring a barbecue for the workforce and guests, was attended by lead councillor for education Kirsty West, local councillors and Cults Academy teaching staff.
Work began on the site last October – and in the past 12 weeks a workforce from all over Europe has installed the 2,753 concrete partitions which form the basic framework of the new academy.
The building technique is new to the UK and is being closely studied by companies who are visiting the site. The school is being built to Scandinavian standards of insulation, with natural light and ventilation and the facilities for conserving and re-using rainwater.
Lead councillor for education Kirsty West said: “It’s great to witness these milestone events as this exciting project takes shape. The facilities at Cults will be second to none promising to benefit pupils and the local community alike.
“The impressive designs across the 3Rs Project are creative, sustainable and environmentally friendly, offering pupils and the citizens of Aberdeen the very best of facilities for years to come.”
The new school will cater for up to 1,150 pupils and will incorporate a 25m six-lane swimming pool, new playing pitches, a 400m grass running track and a full size, all-weather floodlit pitch. There will also be a police station at the school, serving the community.
The replacement Cults Academy, due to be ready for use in October 2009, is one of two new secondary schools planned for Aberdeen under the 3Rs programme.
If you have any queries regarding this, or any other news story, please contact Aberdeen City Council on: 01224 522000.
