South Ayrshire Council has launched a public consultation to find what people think of innovative plans to move children and staff from Ayr Grammar into the Ayr Academy building when it becomes vacant. The move would also see the introduction of Early Learning and Childcare services.
Around £11.6 million would be spent to facilitate the move, turning the iconic Ayr Academy building on Fort Street, Ayr into a learning hub which would not only become the new home of Ayr Grammar, but would feature facilities to help preschool learning, childcare and help Ayr expand as a centre for arts and culture.
The move would transform Ayr Grammar, with pupils benefiting from separate dining and PE facilities, improved learning and teaching space and modern ICT / resources. There would also be increased parking and additional multi use outside play areas.
Under the plans, a community art gallery would be installed which would be accessible to the public during the school day and at evenings and weekends. Security measures would be put in place to ensure that other areas of the school remained secure in light of this public access.
To help support early learning and childcare, there would be facilities catering for 20 children from 2-3 years of age and 60 places for 3-5 year olds.
The consultation will run until Wednesday 29 June and is open to anyone interested in the proposals including parents/carers of children attending Ayr Grammar Primary School and parents/carers of any child or young person who would be expected to attend Ayr Grammar Primary School within the next two years.
To see the full details of the proposal go to www.south-ayrshire.gov.uk/consultations
Copies of the full proposal document are also available from:
Ayr Grammar Primary School, Midton Road, Ayr Ayr Customer Contact Centre, The Wallace Tower, 172-176 High Street, Ayr Carnegie Library, 12 Main Street, Ayr County Buildings Reception, Wellington Square, Ayr
If you want to comment on the proposals you can make a written representation to the Director of Educational Services County Buildings, Wellington Square, Ayr, KA7 1DR or via the website no later than Wednesday 29th June 2016.
There is also a public meeting where parents/carers and other stakeholders can discuss the proposal in more detail. This will take place on Tuesday 24 May, Ayr Grammar Primary School at 7.00pm.
Councillor Margaret Toner, Lifelong Learning Portfolio Holder for South Ayrshire Council said: "There have been very positive discussions about these proposals with pupils, staff and the Parent Council and this dialogue will continue to ensure Ayr Grammar has the best learning environment possible.
"The existing Ayr Academy building has been a seat of learning for hundreds of years and I am keen that the grade A listed building continues in its role to educate and expand the horizons of our young people. I would encourage anyone with an interest in the future of Ayr Grammar to look at the proposals and provide us with comments"
The current catchment would be maintained if the primary school were to move and there are no plans to change Kyle Academy as the associated secondary school.
If the project were to go ahead after Ayr Academy staff and pupils move out, it has been estimated that Ayr Grammar could move in by early 2019.
To see how Ayr Grammar could look if the proposed move happens please go to www.south-ayrshire.gov.uk/schools/future-needs