CHILDREN in Prestwick can look forward to brand new schools as South Ayrshire Council announced the building of a new campus in the Glenburn site.

Glenburn Primary School and St Ninian’s Primary School will benefit from a new building as well as standalone early learning centre as part of the two schools co-existing in one site. Construction work will begin in July 2020 with completion expected to be around December 2021.

The Glenburn site will feature state-of-the-art learning environments, interactive play areas and first class sporting facilities.

It is the preferred site for the campus, as it’s easily large enough to accommodate the new schools and early learning centre as well as the outdoor areas.

As well as having more space, the council has also said the Glenburn site was chosen thanks to better access for pedestrians and vehicles.

The school will cost £19.3 million, featuring outdoor classroom facilities, multi-use games halls, social areas for play and even allotments.

There will also be fully accessible community spaces which are not present at the existing schools.

Although this will be a joint campus with some shared facilities, each school will retain its own name, identity, staff and pupils, while the new early learning centre will have its own dedicated centre manager.

Councillor William Grant, Children and Young People Portfolio Holder for South Ayrshire Council said: “This marks another important milestone for South Ayrshire Council, we are not only transforming learning for generations to come but putting schools back at the heart of our communities, ensuring their first rate facilities can be enjoyed by everyone.

“Both Glenburn Primary and St Ninian’s Primary have a proud history of learning and this is something which we are not only protecting but enhancing by providing them with the best facilities possible.

“In this situation, a campus-style approach is the best way forward as both existing schools require significant work to secure their future for the next generation.

“Giving children and young people the best learning experience possible is a key ambition and this is Prestwick’s turn to benefit.”