HUB South West Scotland has announced it has handed over the new Prestwick Educational Campus project to South Ayrshire Council early and on budget.
Based at Sherwood Road in Prestwick, the facility has been built on the site of the existing Glenburn Primary School and will accommodate the school’s current intake, as well as the relocation of the nearby St Ninian’s Primary and the creation of a new early years centre and nursery.
hub South West (hub SW) Scotland managed the development and delivery of the project, working with construction partner Morgan Sindall, architect BDP, independent tester Capita, and principal designer and cost consultant Gardiner and Theobald.
South Ayrshire Council formally announced the project in May 2019 with work beginning on site in early 2020. The campus boasts 22 classrooms and multi-purpose rooms spread over two-storeys, with an early years centre and nursery facilities for children aged two to five.
The building runs on electric power thanks to the installation of roof solar panels and air source heat pumps for heating.
Sporting facilities include an indoor hall and all-weather pitch. Meanwhile, an allotment garden, willow garden and sensory garden will offer students and children from the surrounding community the opportunity to learn about nature.
Councillor Stephen Ferry, South Ayrshire Council’s portfolio holder for education, said, “Prestwick Educational Campus will provide a modern and engaging environment for learning and will ensure pupils can thrive throughout their years at school. We’re continuing to transform learning in South Ayrshire with our school build programme, and I know that both schools will benefit from the shared provision.”
Michael Ross, chief executive of hub South West Scotland, added, “We are incredibly proud to have led the delivery of this project for South Ayrshire Council, delivering the project early – enabling the full school to decant before the end of the summer holidays – on budget, and to the highest quality standards.
“This is the 14th project we have successfully delivered for South Ayrshire Council. It is this long-standing relationship that has enabled us a platform to invest in ongoing initiatives, continuous improvement and processes to support our joint agenda for excellence in project delivery which has been demonstrated and proven here.Â
“This platform allows us to implement our unique Build Ayrshire events that upskill SMEs, facilitate our hub clubs that create a network of connected Ayrshire businesses and also reinforces our partnership with Ayrshire College where we support curriculum activities.
“This project was a real team effort. A huge well done goes out to all parties involved, the local supply chain and our construction partner Morgan Sindall.”
Stuart Parker, MD of Morgan Sindall Construction’s Scotland region, commented, “It’s an honour to deliver this state-of-the-art educational campus to the local community. Our aim was to create an inspiring space where students can socialise, learn and flourish in an environment that feels special to them – we can’t wait for everyone to enjoy it.
“This campus is yet another example of working collaboratively with our partners to create special places that have a positive impact, so a huge thank you to all involved.”
Lindsey Mitchell, architect director, BDP Glasgow Studio, added, “I’m thrilled that pupils will be starting their first day at nursery or school at the new Prestwick Campus. We received such positive engagement and involvement with the pupils, parents, staff and the wider Prestwick community and I hope the buildings and open spaces we have created reflect their needs and views.
“The design celebrates the identity of both of the primary schools and the shared space will help bring together each of the school communities. We aimed to create something authentic for the community that will be inclusive, welcoming and provide a platform for contemporary learning and teaching.
“The buildings present a positive, community facing frontage that will provide a strong sense of arrival to all pupils, staff and visitors regardless of whether they are using the facilities, teaching or learning at the campus.”
hub South West Scotland revealed that tenders and awards projects associated with the build have helped drive job creation and investment in the local Ayrshire SME base. 14 apprenticeships were filled by local youngsters. As part of the work experience programme, attendees supported the groundworks team with setting out, kerbing, landscaping and joinery. They were also given the opportunity to observe activity on site including cement pours and completion of steel work.
hub SW held workshops with local SMEs and revealed that 80% of packages were tendered by territory supply chain. The project awarded £9 million of works packages to sub-contractors within the hub SW territory.
