THE new multi-million school development for Garnock is taking shape – after it reached a major milestone on Monday.

Local councillors joined representatives from partners including Kier Construction and hub South West for the ‘topping out’ ceremony.

This marks the completion of the concrete frame section of the development following six months of work.

The last of the concrete was laid by Provost Joan Sturgeon to mark the end of another stage of the construction process.

The new £40 million joint school, community and leisure campus will serve the Garnock Valley’s three main towns - Kilbirnie, Beith and Dalry - and bring together pupils who currently attend Garnock Academy, Glengarnock Primary School and Glengarnock Early Years Centre.

The new state-of-the-art campus is due to be completed in December 2016 and will include a high quality six-lane swimming pool leisure facility which will replace Garnock Pool as well as a synthetic pitch suitable for rugby and football.

Hub South West appointed Keir Construction to be the main contractor for the work.

Local firm JD Pierce are currently erecting the steel frames for the facility, with this stage set to be complete over the coming weeks.

Councillor Tony Gurney, Cabinet member for Place, said: “I’m delighted with the progress being made.

“As more work gets done you can start to visualise just how the school will look and it really is going to be something special for this and future generations of young people.

“Our school estate in North Ayrshire is something we as a Council are incredibly proud of. The new campus will be another addition to our growing list of top-class schools, leisure and community facilities.”

Scottish Government funding, equating to two thirds of the cost of replacing the secondary school, has been secured by the Council through the Schools for the Future programme.

Managing director of Kier Construction's Scotland and north-east England business, Brian McQuade, said: “Our involvement with hub South West Scotland and close working partnership with North Ayrshire Council has helped with us in working to deliver a state-of-the-art educational and community facility which, when complete, will benefit the local people of the Garnock Valley for generations to come.

“During this project we have undertaken meticulous planning and constant dialogue with North Ayrshire Council, suppliers and sub-contractors. Our focus on local economic growth and job creation has also helped to support job opportunities and modern apprenticeships in the area, further illustrating our commitment to supporting and facilitating regeneration of local communities.”

Michael McBrearty, Chief Executive, hub South West said:“The Garnock Campus development is progressing well and hub South West are delighted to be a part of it.

“It is fantastic to be continuing our collaboration with Kier Construction Scotland and North Ayrshire Council, as well as partnering up with local enterprises such as JD Pierce, with community engagement always being a key feature of hub South West projects.

“With new initiatives rolling out on this development such as the DEC! accredited curriculum ‘Adopt a School’, this really is a flagship project which will generate growth, maximise local investment and create local opportunities for training, learning and further education.”