Transforming learning in Girvan with Kier starting work on £33m school and early years campus

South Ayrshire Council has appointed Kier as the main contractor for the design and construction of a new Girvan Primary School and Early Years Campus - a landmark £33m investment in the region’s educational facilities.

Located on the existing Wesley Road site, the new campus will be the first purpose-built facility in Girvan Primary School’s history.

The two-storey building will feature modern classrooms, flexible breakout spaces, a dining area, and a sports hall equipped with retractable bleacher seating. A dedicated ground-floor base will cater to pupils with Additional Support Needs (ASN), offering a separate entrance, specialist facilities and an external play area.

Adjacent to the primary school, a standalone Early Years Centre will provide a welcoming and inclusive environment for younger children.

Designed with interconnecting teaching spaces and a large, glazed frontage, the centre will open onto a secure outdoor play area, giving children the freedom to explore and learn in a hands-on, engaging environment.

The campus design integrates a range of sustainability and energy efficiency measures, including renewable energy systems, low-carbon building materials and advanced heating and ventilation technologies. These systems will be connected to South Ayrshire Council’s estate-wide management infrastructure, supporting improved energy management and aligning with the Council’s commitment to sustainable development.

Construction began in October 2025, with completion of the primary school expected in early 2027. The Early Years Centre will follow shortly after, ensuring a smooth transition for pupils and staff.

Phil McDowell, regional director for Kier Construction North & Scotland, said: “We’re proud to be delivering this transformative project for the Girvan community.

“Kier brings extensive experience in delivering high-quality schools across Scotland, having successfully completed numerous primary, secondary and early years projects that combine innovative design with sustainability. The new campus will offer a vibrant, inclusive and future-ready learning environment for generations to come and make a real difference to local children and families.”

Beyond construction, Kier is committed to creating lasting social value for local communities. For the Girvan project, this includes providing local employment opportunities, engaging with regional supply chains and offering apprenticeships and training initiatives to help develop future talent.

The team will also work closely with schools and community groups to deliver educational workshops and volunteering programmes, ensuring the benefits of this investment extend far beyond the building itself

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South Ayrshire Council’s Policy Lead for Housing and Property Services, Councillor Martin Kilbride, said: “This is a landmark project for Girvan and a clear example of how the Council is investing in high-quality, sustainable facilities for the future. The design combines innovation and practicality, ensuring the campus will serve the needs of pupils, staff, and the wider community for generations to come.”