Primary school pupils from Aberdeen had a lesson in safety outside the classroom on recently with a visit to the city's iconic new retail development, Union Square.

The £250m retail destination, currently under construction, is perfect place to help the youngsters build the foundations of life-long safety habits, according to main contractor Miller Construction and developer Hammerson.

They have teamed up with Walker Road Primary School in Torry to run a variety of workshops and fun activities to educate the youngsters on the important subject.

Earlier in the month the P6 pupils participated in colouring and poster-making exercises, and were challenged to identify dangers in a variety of pictures. Impressed with their hard work, Miller Construction and Hammerson invited them to Union Square where they had the chance to see up-close the workings of a real construction site, as well as seeing the health and safety rules they have learned being put into practice.

Brian McQuade, Joint Managing Director, Miller Construction, said the company is committed to playing an active role in the communities in which it works.

He said: “Good health and safety practices are important not just on building sites but also in the home, crossing the road and in every aspect of day to day life. We like to play a part in helping youngsters learn a serious message, but in a fun way they can associate with and relate to. We hope that what the children are learning will stay with them and assist them throughout their lives.”

The pupils also got an insight into what Union Square will look like come autumn 2009, with a preview of the development architect models at the Union Square Marketing Suite.

Penny Godfrey, marketing manager at Union Square added: “This was a fantastic opportunity to interact with young adults about best practise regarding safety on a construction site, as well as how they will be able to use and interact with the development once complete.

The children very much enjoyed their site visit and showed a real interest in the cinema and the shops coming to Union Square, as well as the construction site itself. The construction sector is a popular career choice for young people and this visit may later encourage some of them to take this career path.”

The pupils are now taking part in a competition to come up with the best ways to make the new shopping centre a "safe and fun" place to be. Later this month a panel of experts, including representatives from Miller Construction and Hammerson, will present one lucky winner with an MP3 player.

Email: lesley.mcivor@beattiegroup.com