Keys handed over at Bellsbank

There was great excitement in Bellsbank this morning as children, staff and community groups officially received the keys to their brand new school, Early Childhood Centre and Community facility.

The new £6.1 million development replaces the former primary school, Early Childhood Centre and community facility. East Ayrshire Council has made a significant investment of £4.65 million in the next generation of young people in Bellsbank. An additional £1.45 million has come from the Scottish Government’s Early Learning and Childcare capital-funding programme to support the Council’s delivery of 1140 hours of childcare provision in the area.  

Councillor Fiona Campbell, Cabinet Spokesperson for Education, attended the key handover event and was joined by local ward members, Councillors Elaine Dinwoodie and Drew Filson.

“This is a great day for the Bellsbank community. It’s wonderful to see the excitement on the faces of these youngsters as they explore their new school.

“The new facilities provide an exciting social, leisure and educational hub in the heart of the village.

“Education is integral to our ambitious Capital Investment Programme and the new facilities in Bellsbank will deliver an inspirational and exciting new environment in which our youngest learners can develop and grow.”

Throughout the construction phases, contractors Ashleigh Building provided a number of community benefits. Local pupils were offered work experience; additional apprentices were employed on site and site visits and engagement events provided an insight into the construction process and progress with the build. A highlight was recognition for a particularly caring and creative pupil, Aidan Hilton, who designed a happy corner for the playground for children to go to when they are feeling sad and need cheered up. Ashleigh will replicate Aidan’s design on an area of the playground.

Euan Clark, Commercial Director, Ashleigh (Scotland) Limited said: “Ashleigh Building are delighted to hand over the keys on the fantastic Bellsbank Primary and Early Childhood Centre – this is a community facility to be truly proud of. As an Ayrshire based Contractor, we know the value that this brings to Bellsbank and it give us immense satisfaction to have been part of the tremendous team that has brought the successful delivery of this long awaited project.

We wish Mr Currie, the staff, pupils and all of the community many long and happy years in their new home.”