MONDAY (March 12) will herald a new beginning for education in Largs and the surrounding areas.
The new £52million Largs Campus will open its doors for the first time when the primary schools – Largs Primary and St Mary’s – and Early Years nurseries move in. This new school campus incorporates a relocated Largs Academy with staff and secondary pupils set to join them at their new school on April 18. Some of the highlights include two amazing theatres for both primary and secondary pupils, a massive gym hall that is believed to be the BIGGEST in the UK and third-floor art classrooms with balconies that enable the provision for outdoor working. Councillor John Bell, Cabinet Member for Education and Youth Employment, said: “These are incredibly exciting times for young people, families, staff and everyone at North Ayrshire Council. The facilities at the Largs Campus are going to be the best in Scotland. We will have the best sport facilities in Scotland, if not the UK. “We have invested heavily in the nursery and have ultra modern facilities that incorporate parent rooms, family rooms and imaginative play and learning areas for our young people. “We have two theatres – one that is shared by the primary pupils and one for the secondary which is a 350-seater. The sound and lighting systems are as good as any in Scotland. “Our art terrace has stunning views over Cumbrae, Bute and Arran and will give our young people the chance to work outside and develop their painting, drawing and photography skills in an incredible environment. “I am so proud of this facility and know that the young people have a fantastic environment to attain and achieve. “We are sure the younger children will settle in very quickly and we look forward to the secondary pupils joining them in a few weeks’ time.” The project was delivered by Morrison Construction and Operation’s Director Allan Cunningham, said:“We are proud to have delivered this fantastic project, which provides state-of-the-art educational, arts and sporting facilities that will leave a lasting legacy not just for current and future students, but the wider community as well. “Not only does this project provide a permanent benefit to the town of Largs but by supporting 25 work placements, 13 apprentices and 73 creating new jobs, students have been given exposure to the industry, small businesses have expanded and there has been a positive impact on the local economy. "The Largs Campus adds to Morrison Construction’s strong legacy in the community having successfully delivered the £12m redevelopment of the unique Sportscotland National Sports Training Centre Inverclyde in 2017.’’ Michael McBrearty, Chief Executive of development partner hub South West added: “hub South West are delighted to hand over this wonderful new learning campus to North Ayrshire Council. “Largs Campus is an impressive and contemporary eduational facilitiy set in a fantastic location, and will provide an inspirational environment in which pupils can learn and thrive.The new state-of-the-art campus will be a real asset to the local Largs community.”