The new £16.4 million Milltimber Primary School has won the prestigious Aberdeen Society of Architects (ASA) Education Design Award 2023.

The school was completed as a replacement by Robertson Construction – part of a £100 million investment by Aberdeen City Council in four new schools.

The state-of-the-art facilities will offer enhanced outdoor play spaces and PE facilities to promote health, fitness and wellbeing as well as improved opportunities for outdoor curricular learning and social interaction. With an increased capacity to 434 pupils and an additional 60 Early Learning and Childcare (ELC) places this can ensure that pupils in the growing catchment area can continue to attend their local primary school.


The ASA gave the award for the strong sustainable and placemaking principles with the introduction of potential for a new central public square that helps unite the community of Milltimber with the fabric of the Oldfold residential masterplan.

Convener of the Education and Children's Services Committee Councillor Martin Greig said: "The award for Milltimber School is welcome acknowledgement of the Council's commitment to improve and upgrade the school estate across the city. It is especially reassuring that the high standards of design in this new building are being recognised. Careful thought has been given to create appropriate spaces for learning. Every young person deserves the best possible educational environment so there is still much to do."

A key success of the design was how the in-between spaces within the building have been utilised to create moments that can enhance the curriculum delivery. The shape and design of spaces, alongside colourful wayfinding and nature-themed supergraphics, reflect the natural forms of nearby landscapes and help in defining the character within areas of the school.