RENOVATION works at Kilwinning Academy are continuing apace as part of a project worth £3.5million.

Kilwinning Academy Head Teacher Tim Swan welcomed North Ayrshire Council Leader Joe Cullinane last week for a tour of the first of the recently refurbished areas of the school – the Learning Support Area and the Computing & Business Education faculty.

The works are part of the renovation project paid for by North Ayrshire Council’s Capital Investment Fund, with the transformation of the remaining areas identified expected to be completed in early 2021.

An extensive list of required refurbishments was established and agreed with the school, with a phased approach to works ensuring that critical school activities such as prelims, exams and shows were not disturbed.

A floodlit all-weather pitch and running track has already been completed and was opened in 2017.

Other works include staff and pupil toilet upgrades, refurbishment of the Assembly Hall, and the repurposing of the existing mathematics faculty area in Block C to form a new languages faculty.

North Ayrshire Council’s Property Management and Investment (PMI) Team were set the challenge of taking a fresh look at the school with a view to updating it in a way that would shape and enhance student learning and support activities inside and outside the classroom.

Extensive engagement sessions were undertaken with teaching staff and design team specialists to determine the most appropriate use of current technology and materials to shape the final design, ensuring that the new spaces supported the developing curriculum.

Bright, modern furniture has been used to complement the improved teaching facilities, and spacious open plan areas have been created which can be adapted for various learning activities.

Council Leader Joe Cullinane said: “The capital investment at Kilwinning Academy so far is looking great.

“It is important to remember this investment was secured through campaigning with the then Parent Council at the school. It is a shining example of what can be achieved through community participation and organising.

“While there is still work to be done, the renovation so far has created a number of new learning areas that are bright, welcoming and stimulating, and this can only enhance the experience of pupils at the school both now and for years to come. The internal works build on the fabulous all-weather sports pitch which has really transformed the facilities at the school.

“The Property Team are to be commended for making their innovative vision for the school a reality, and we would like to thank the staff and pupils at the school for their support and valuable input throughout the project so far.”