Kilbirnie: Council delay opening of the new Moorpark Primary

The school was set to open later this month, but in a statement today, North Ayrshire Council said the contractor had yet to finish work within internal areas of the  building

They said education provision would continue in the existing Moorpark Primary School until the new building is ready. The construction work started back in 2021 and the final brick was laid in March this year.

The council also revealed the opening of their new Marress House Early Years Centre in Irvine would be delayed - again.

The centre - in the former tax office next to the council's own HQ -  had been set to open when schools returned last month. But the council have now revealed they were "unable to accept handover of the building from the contractor due to a number of outstanding defects".

In their statement today (Monday), the council said: "Following further discussions with the responsible contractor, North Ayrshire Council is advising parents and carers of delays to two major education projects - the new Moorpark Primary School, Kilbirnie, and the Marress House Early Years Centre in Irvine.

The council team and contractors at the new Moorparkl Primary (Image: NAC)

"The new Moorpark Primary School was due to open later this month.

"While the exterior of the new school is largely complete, work is delayed within the internal areas and the contractor has advised of an expected delay to the completion date.

"They are working to finalise an updated programme to complete the development and this will be shared with parents, carers and staff as soon as available.

"In the meantime, education provision will continue in the existing Moorpark Primary School until the new building is ready."

The statement continued: "The Marress House Early Years Centre was due to open in August 2023.

"Prior to the expected date of the opening of the facility, the council was unable to accept handover of the building from the contractor due to a number of outstanding defects.

"Further investigation of these items has confirmed that extensive remediation works are required."

"Children registered for the new Marress House Early Years Centre are currently attending alternative provision as identified by their parents.

Maress House in Irvine (Image: NAC)

"This arrangement will be reviewed on an individual basis. North Ayrshire Council's early years team will be contacting families as soon as possible to discuss available options."

A North Ayrshire Council spokesperson said: “Like parents and pupils, we are deeply disappointed by this news.

“The delays at both sites have been caused by factors outwith our control, but we remain in discussions with the contractor regarding completion of the outstanding works required.

“Parents should be reassured that we are working tirelessly to ensure that both buildings provide a safe and fitting environment for teaching and learning and reflect the quality of accommodation that our young people and staff deserve.”

The council is now awaiting revised construction programmes from the contractors which will establish the precise extent of the delays, and the Council will keep parents and carers fully up to date with any developments.

When complete, the new Moorpark Primary – which sits adjacent to the existing school – will have 12 primary classes and a 24-place Early Years facility.

Similarly, Marress House is being transformed into an early years centre with additional space for professional learning and development, as well as CCTV and concierge facilities.