Young people across South Ayrshire are set to benefit as work starts on the new Queen Margaret Academy in Ayr!

 The new state-of-the-art school which will be completed in October 2019 will not only help transform learning but is set to become a hub for the local community.

John Swinney, Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills joined with young people, staff and South Ayrshire Councillors to mark the start of the work.

The £25million project has been made possible thanks to £8.5million from South Ayrshire Council and £16.5million from the Scottish Government through their 'Schools for the Future' programme.

The new school which is currently being built in the grounds of the existing school will have places for up to 800 young people.

Featuring modern classrooms and interactive learning environments, large games hall, a gym, a fitness and movement room, two all-weather pitches, and hard games courts, the school is sure to impress.

The new Queen Margaret Academy will also be home to Psychological Services and a Supported Learning Centre, which are already at the existing school and will have accommodation for teaching Gaelic.

When the school opens in 2019, the old building will then be demolished and the site fully landscaped.

The school is being built by Kier Construction and is being delivered by South Ayrshire Council in partnership with hub South West. The £25million project is part of a £94million programme of works delivered across South Ayrshire with the aim of enhancing standards through targeted investment.

John Swinney, Deputy First Minister said: "We know state-of-the-art accommodation can inspire students, staff and parents, and so I am very happy to help get work started on the new academy which will be the 104th school to start construction of a total 117 to be built under the Schools for the Future programme by March 2020.

"I am looking forward to seeing the difference this building will make for pupils in years to come, and pleased the Scottish Government was able to provide almost £17 million from our Schools for the Future programme to help make this happen."

Councillor Peter Henderson, Resources and Performance Portfolio Holder at South Ayrshire Council said: "The start of work at the new Queen Margaret Academy is another example of our commitment to transform learning environments across South Ayrshire.

"One of our priorities is to ensure young people leave school with the skills they need for learning, life and work and delivering a first-class education is a significant step towards achieving this.

"Schools always play a central role in our communities. We have just introduced an initiative in some of our schools called Our People, Our Place. Through these schools we work with partners to deliver local services in the heart of communities.

"I have no doubt that when complete the new Queen Margaret Academy will also be a focal point and a hub for the community."

Michael McBrearty, Chief Executive of delivery partner, hub South West, said:
"We are delighted to see construction works now commencing on the new Queen Margaret Academy site. Having worked with South Ayrshire Council previously on a number of successful projects including Dailly Primary School, Tarbolton Community Campus and the fantastic new Ayr Academy, we are looking forward to building on our portfolio and our relationship with the Council.

"The new Queen Margaret Academy will be a real asset to the local community and a wonderfully modern and innovative environment in which young people can learn and thrive."

Brian McQuade, managing director of Kier Construction Scotland said: "We are pleased to start work on delivering this leading, modern academy for South Ayrshire Council which will provide fantastic new teaching and sports facilities for students and the wider community to enjoy.

"Through hub South West, we are working with local suppliers and SMEs to ensure that the project provides important training and employment opportunities and boosts the local economy. During construction, up to 100 workers will be on site during peak periods and we will create 20 work placements, 10 apprenticeships and a graduate traineeship, giving local young people valuable experience of working in this diverse and rewarding industry."