City Pupils Have A Ticket To Ride Thanks To New Bike Shelters

Pupils at Hazlehead Academy are being encouraged to cycle to school thanks to a local housebuilder, which has built brand new shelters for them to safely store their bikes. Bancon Homes is currently building new homes at The Roses of Eden development, adjacent to Dobbies Garden Centre. Its sister developments, Eden at Maidencraig and The Reserve, have sold out and families have moved in and settled into their new homes. As the developments are zoned for Hazlehead Academy, Bancon Homes offered to support the school’s efforts to provide sustainable travel options.

The Banchory-based company provided labour for the bike shelter project and a team completed the storage facilities over the summer holidays. Headteacher James Purdie said: “We are extremely grateful to Bancon Homes for the help and time they have given us and we are delighted with the new bike shelters.

L-R - Jim Purdie, (headteacher, Hazlehead Academy), Ashif Shiham (Hazlehead Academy pupil), Sasanka Range-Bandara (deputy head boy, eco chairperson, Hazlehead Academy pupil), Darren Cocker (senior site manager, Bancon Homes) and Ross Walker (Hazlehead Academy pupil).

“We have an active Eco Group in the school, which organises projects to address issues such as litter, biodiversity and transport, as well as a travel plan which encourages staff and pupils to use sustainable modes of travel.

“We hope having this new facility will encourage pupils to take their bikes to school.” The project was overseen by Darren Cocker, senior site manager at The Roses of Eden. He said: “We are pleased to have been able to support our local school by building these much-needed new bike shelters. The Roses at Eden is located on a hillside so the journey to school will be an easy one for pupils who choose to cycle!”

With a range of house types and price ranges, The Roses at Eden development offers something for everyone, from first-time buyers or families needing space to grow to those looking to downsize. Phase one of the development will feature 40 homes, ranging from high specification two-bed terrace properties to four-bed detached villas, set in landscaped surroundings with views over the city and to the west of Aberdeen, and an easy commute from the newly opened Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route (AWPR).

Prices at The Roses at Eden start at £199,995 for a two-bed Loch-style home. For more information, please call 01224 695317 or 07918 677892, email theroses@bancon.co.uk or visit the sales office, which is adjacent to Dobbies Garden Centre.