AN important milestone has been reached in the construction of the new Queen Margaret Academy in Ayr with the completion of the main structure.
Main contractor Kier said the school is “well on track” for opening its doors to pupils in October next year.
Built in the grounds of the existing academy, the new £25 million school will be able to accommodate up to 800 young people. Features include two all-weather pitches, games courts and modern classrooms.
Kier Construction is building the school, which is being delivered by South Ayrshire Council in partnership with hub South West. The project is part of a £94 million programme of works delivered across South Ayrshire to boost education standards through investment in schools and communities.
Councillor Peter Henderson, resources and performance portfolio holder at South Ayrshire Council said, “Our new, extended and refurbished schools are completely transforming learning across South Ayrshire and the new Queen Margaret Academy is shaping up to do more of the same. We’re committed to creating modern learning environments that not only inspire children and young people, but provide an important hub and network for the local community.
“We want those attending our schools to achieve their full potential when they move on from school and our focus on providing the best education possible, with the best facilities, means we are on our way to achieving this ambition. Our schools always play a key role in local life so we’re ensuring that their excellent sports facilities can be accessed by the wider public. We also ensure there are areas of our schools that can be used by community groups and the new Queen Margaret Academy will be no different.”
Michael McBrearty, chief executive of hub South West Scotland added, “The new Queen Margaret Academy is an ongoing success on so many levels, with the enthusiasm of all participating partners working on this project reflected in the excellent progress being made. hub South West are delighted to be expanding on our portfolio of work with South Ayrshire Council, with the new Queen Margaret Academy being the 8th project we
will have delivered on behalf of the Authority once construction is complete in October 2019.
“The new school will be a fantastic contemporary and innovative learning environment that will create an abundance of opportunities and benefits to the entire community.”
Brian McQuade, managing director of Kier Construction Scotland & north-east England commented, “Kier has a solid history of building schools throughout Scotland and it is an exciting time as we ‘top out’ this leading education facility with hub South West for South Ayrshire Council, which will benefit both students and the wider Ayrshire community. Throughout the build, we have worked with local suppliers to ensure that the project boosts the local economy. Up to 60 people have been on site during peak periods of activity and to date we have created one apprenticeship, seven work placements and three student summer intern placements. This has provided young local talent the opportunity to gain valuable experience working on a state-of-the-art building and a unique insight into the built environment and the diverse range of roles available.”
When the new school opens, the old building will be demolished and the site fully landscaped.
