SCOTLAND’S deputy First Minister John Swinney has officially opened the new Queen Margaret Academy in Ayr.
Designed by BDP’s Glasgow studio, the facility has been designed around a naturally lit central atrium with modern classrooms. Pupils, teachers and parents were involved in the consultation process for the design. The building also features interactive learning environments, a large games hall, a gym, two all-weather pitches, and a fitness suite.
Lindsey Mitchell, architect director at BDP said, “This building is a product of the collaborative approach we take at BDP, to deliver educational spaces that help the school achieve their educational and societal aspirations. By consulting with parents, students and teachers, we were able to create inspirational spaces that promote a range of teaching and learning styles. We are very proud to have assisted South Ayrshire Council to develop this fantastic new school.”
Construction of the £25 million school started beside the old school in November 2017. The school was built by Kier Construction and delivered by South Ayrshire Council in partnership with hub South West.
John Swinney said, “It was tremendous to join pupils, teachers and parents to open the new Queen Margaret Academy in to celebrate the history and future of a school that has grown at the heart of its community for over 150 years. My thanks to South Ayrshire Council for its ongoing investment to build and refurbish schools, which we support through Scotland’s Schools for the Future and the £1 billion Learning Estate Investment Programme. The impressive new facilities Queen Margaret Academy boasts will serve pupils, teachers, and the surrounding community for years to come.”
Sean O’Callaghan, operations director of Kier Regional Building Scotland commented, “We are pleased to have delivered this leading, modern academy with fantastic new sports facilities for 800 students and the wider community to enjoy, building on our track record of delivering quality schools throughout Scotland. Through hub South West Scotland, we worked with local suppliers to ensure that the project boosts the Ayrshire economy and provided local talent with the opportunity to gain valuable experience of working on a state-of-the-art building.”
