COUNCIL chiefs have approved over £11million of investment at three North Ayrshire secondary schools.

Irvine Royal, Kilwinning and Auchenharvie Academies will all share the pot which will see each school provided with a much-needed upgrade.
The funding was approved by North Ayrshire Council’s Cabinet on Tuesday, December 20.

The investment comes on the back of a campaign by Council Leader Joe Cullinane and Kilwinning Academy’s Parent Council for more money for refurbishments.

It was previously agreed at this year’s budget meeting that NAC would invest £8million in all three schools.

That investment, however, was cut by the-then SNP administration before being restored by the Labour Group.

Auchenharvie Academy will receive the most funding with £4.7million.
Kilwinning Academy is being handed £3.9million while £2.9million has been set aside for Irvine Royal Academy.

NAC will utilise £2.5million from ‘Property Lifecycle Investment Capital fund’ to bring the new investment beyond the £10million mark from the original £8million.

Included in the plans are a new all-weather sports pitch at Kilwinning - to replace the school’s ageing red-ash sports pitch. 

Cladding and windows will be replaced replacement at Auchenharvie with Irvine Royal receiving an upgrade to its entrance.

Speaking about the plans, Councillor Cullinane said: “Just over a year after we submitted our petition for investment in Kilwinning Academy I am delighted that we have reached the stage of being able to publish our investment plans.”

“Ever since I was elected, people connected with Kilwinning Academy have said to me that they wanted equity with every other secondary school in North Ayrshire by having an all-weather sports pitch and I have listened and ensured it was a key priority for this investment.

“I have also listened to the other priorities of parents and pupils and that is why we are investing in upgrades to the Assembly Hall, PE base and various classrooms.”

Irvine West Councillor Louise McPhater added: “I promised local people that if they elected me I would fight for investment in Irvine Royal and these plans show exactly how this will be delivered.

"I am sure that parents and pupils alike will welcome the new investment in classrooms and the schools entrance area.”