Scotland’s First Minister opens new Ayrshire College campus

Over 200 guests celebrated this milestone event at a special ceremony on 12 December 2016 where they heard the First Minister describe the state-of-the-art facilities.

“This is an absolutely stunning campus and there is so much to be impressed by here. I would like to thank everyone involved who worked so hard in bringing this campus to fruition, but college principal Heather Dunk deserves a special mention for her outstanding and dedicated leadership.

“This wonderful campus has been created not just for the current students, staff and other agencies who use the building, but for future generations.”

The new campus on Hill Street was opened to students on 24 October 2016 and has already created opportunities for students, including apprenticeships and work placements. The First Minister toured the campus meeting students and staff from all areas of the College.

Students and STEM apprentices spoke with the First Minister and presented her with gifts they had made to mark the official opening. Speaking in front of the invited audience, the First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said:

“Students are clearly thriving in this brand new campus, and they will soon form part of a highly skilled workforce that is tailored for the regional economy.

“I met with students and Modern Apprentices who have been in the campus since October, and their enthusiasm for their chosen field is palpable. This demonstrates how a modern, fit-for-purpose campus and its facilities can truly inspire learning.” 

Designed by architects RMJM and Keppie Design, Ramboll were appointed to provide multi-disciplinary engineering services including; structural, building services, geotechnical, environmental, civil, transport planning and BREEAM services.

From the outset the project brief called for a new functional, flexible learning environment that met the clients high sustainability and energy efficiency targets. Utilising a fabric first approach and passive design strategies to minimise energy consumption and carbon emissions, the building achieved the highest available BREEAM rating of ‘Outstanding’ at design stage. Ayrshire College Kilmarnock campus is only one of three educational facilities to achieve this.

Heather Dunk OBE, Principal of Ayrshire College, said

“At Ayrshire College our vision is to raise aspirations, inspire achievement and increase opportunities. We are supporting the delivery of that vision with innovative and exciting learning spaces like our new campus in Kilmarnock, and I am very proud of everyone who helped make our dream for this world-class building a reality.’