THE project team behind the design and build of Lockhart Campus in Stevenson has scooped a top award at the Learning Places Scotland Awards.
Opened in 2021, the additional support needs school is the first of its kind in the region and the vision from the outset was to create a ‘unique’, ‘friendly’, and ‘ambient’ facility that would allow young people to flourish in a safe and welcoming environment.
North Ayrshire Council worked alongside partners hub South West, Morrison Construction, and NORR to deliver the vision. The local authority said that winning the Inclusive Design award recognises a project that meets the needs of pupils and students with additional support needs.
The campus features a ribbon effect roof, offers a range of classroom settings as well as a swimming pool, hydrotherapy pool, sensory rooms, and a soft-play area – all providing an educational experience to children with a diverse range of additional support needs. The school also incorporates enhanced outdoor learning spaces including an outdoor rebound area and external classrooms.
Following the award win, the school was praised for its ‘extensive’ use of technology, which has created an energy efficient building that uses heat recovery, biomass heating, and natural and low-energy LED lighting.
Councillor Shaun Macaulay, cabinet member for education at North Ayrshire Council, said, “Lockhart Campus is a fantastic facility and something we are all very proud of.
“The team involved in developing it have created something very special and it’s so rewarding to see how much the young people and staff are embracing it and enjoying being there.
“It was very much a team effort from our officers at North Ayrshire to our partners at hub South West, NORR and Morrison Construction. A huge well done to everyone.”
Michael Ross, chief executive of hub South West, added, “This award is testament to the hard work of the collective team that worked on this project. We are very proud that Lockhart Campus has been recognised on a national stage, showcasing the very best use of inclusive design in education and delivering on North Ayrshire Council’s vision for creating this fantastic facility.
“We have delivered 18 projects with North Ayrshire to date and have recirculated over £34 million of works packages to companies in North Ayrshire. We are very appreciative of this partnership with North Ayrshire Councial that enables these significant outputs.”
David Ewing, MD of Morrison Construction, commented, “Our congratulations go to all of the project stakeholders and team members who contributed to the success of this project. The work done on this project was testament to a collective partnership working approach with the stakeholders and our supply chain, through Covid restrictions, to deliver an award-winning state of the art facility where students can learn and will maximise their potential in an environment that is entirely appropriate to their needs. We are delighted that this project has been recognised in this way by the Learning Places Scotland awards committee, further emphasising the long term benefit to the communities and environment as a result of the partnerships we work in.”
