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Start of a new era as the ‘amazing’ Ayr Academy opens for classes


Education for young people at South Ayrshire’s oldest school has been transformed following the relocation of Ayr Academy. 


South Ayrshire Council has now welcomed the first generation of young people to the new building, which fully opened on Monday 21 August. 


Construction of the £25million school began at Ayr's Craigie Estate in January 2016. With a history dating back to 1233, the last incarnation was built in 1880 and closed earlier this year. Its eye-catching replacement has space for up to 1,000 pupils, and also features two learning plazas, a multi-use hall, two gyms and a fitness/movement room, and sports pitches. 


The school was built by Kier Construction and delivered by South Ayrshire Council in partnership with SWHub. Councillor William Grant, South Ayrshire Council's Portfolio Holder for Lifelong Learning, said, "Looking around you can see that young people and staff are already making the most of an amazing new building that will transform education for generations of families. 


“Based in the Craigie Campus, the new school will forge close links with the University of the West of Scotland and Ayrshire College, with young people being coached and encouraged to go on to positive destinations when they leave. “I’d like to thank everyone involved in helping to deliver this project on time and on budget, and wish all the young people, families, and staff the best of luck as we move into an exciting new era for this evolving educational success story.” 


The intention is that the school will also become a hub for the local community. It is much more than a school and will be a great venue for sporting activities, community meetings and other activities. The development is intended as an investment in North Ayr as a community and not only an investment in education. 


Lyndsay McRoberts, Executive Headteacher at Ayr Academy said she was sure the new school provided an inspiring learning environment, “While we were sorry to leave our old home, the new building delivers a step change in the way we teach, a factor that will leave a long and lasting impact on the lives of young people. “This stylish and flexible building allows us to continue doing what we did best before, while also leaving room to deliver classes in ways that just weren’t possible before. “Better laid out, and using the latest technology, this fabulous new resource still has plenty of space to evolve as our school grows in the years ahead.” 


Heather Devaney, Head Girl of Ayr Academy said: "This is an exciting time for all at ayr academy and the amazing new building has much to offer"


Head Boy, Mathew Field (16) said they were still getting used to their new surroundings, “I think it will be a few weeks before we really get into our routine but it’s great to be here.” 


The project is part of a £94million pipeline of works being delivered across South Ayrshire in the next year, with the aim of enhancing standards through targeted investment. 


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