East Ayrshire Council’s Cabinet has today (8 March 2017) assured parents, pupils and the local Stewarton community that the Council will look immediately at the extension and refurbishment of Stewarton Academy, agreeing almost £13.2 million towards upgrading the school.
The commitment, endorsed by all Cabinet members, with Councillor Douglas Reid, Council Leader saying: “The past five years have seen our school estate benefit with £61 million of completed projects.
“Looking ahead to 2020, we’ll be investing a further £190 million in rebuilding, refurbishing and improving schools in the area – that’s a quarter of a billion pounds – invested in our young people and their education, set against a backdrop of economic and political uncertainty and cuts to public sector finances.
“Education is an absolute priority for the Council and I want Stewarton pupils to have the very best opportunities to succeed in school and beyond, which is reflected in the £13.2 million we have earmarked for works at the school.
“We’ll now be consulting with pupils, parents, staff and the local community to develop the design and the programme of works, as we continue our drive to improve all aspects of the school estate, exploring new funding sources and opportunities to turn these ambitions into reality.”
Additional highlights in the £190 million spend include investments in:
Doon Academy (£18 million)
New Whatriggs Primary School (£12 million)
Muirkirk Primary School (£5.9 million)
Bellsbank Primary (£5 million)
Loudoun Academy (£4.4 million)
St Sophia’s Primary School (£3.1 million)
Loanhead Primary and Early Years Centre (£2 million)