A brand new rural primary school and the modernisation of a well-established secondary have gained national recognition.
South Ayrshire Council marked a double success at the recent Education Buildings Scotland Awards at a prestigious ceremony in Edinburgh. The awards celebrate excellence and achievement in the design and innovation of educational buildings across Scotland.
Marr College won the ‘Project of the year’ category. The £37m project to transform the 1935 building began in spring 2015 when new all-weather facilities opened for use in June of that year. By December 2016 the new technical wing and the refurbished side of the Marr building became available. Finally, 2017 saw the opening of the south wing of the Marr building and the new PE block, helping to adapt the 20th century building to meet modern needs. South Ayrshire Council delivered the project with development partner, hub southwest, Kier Construction, and BDP architects.
Tarbolton Community Campus won the ‘Innovation in delivering a sustainable education facility’ category. The new £8.2m project opened in March, 2017. The building combines Early Years and Primary education, alongside a community centre and library. Biomass boilers and photovoltaic cells in the design also help to reduce running costs for this new community hub. South Ayrshire Council delivered the project with development partner, hub southwest, and Morrison Construction.
The new Ayr Academy was runner-up in the ‘Inspiring Learning Spaces’ category.
Councillor Peter Henderson, South Ayrshire Council’s Portfolio Holder for resources and Performance said the recognition was well deserved, “These two awards are testament to the dedication of the teams that delivered two projects that have made a real difference to the education of our children and young people.
“The extensive project to upgrade and extend Marr College has breathed new life into a landmark building, while in rural Tarbolton we’ve provided a range of facilities for people to use through the Community Campus.
“But the investment doesn’t stop there and with a wide-range of new schools being delivered in Annbank, Ayr, Dailly, Girvan and Troon we’re committed to giving our children and young people the best possible start in life.”
The Education Buildings Awards took place at the Sheraton Grand Hotel in Edinburgh on Tuesday, 21 November.