Topping out ceremony at Bellsbank Primary and Early Childhood Centre

With the building taking shape and internal work well underway, an official topping out ceremony was held at the site of the new Bellsbank Primary and Early Childhood Centre.

As part of the proceedings, Councillor Douglas Reid, Leader of the Council, with primary pupils from Bellsbank PS & ECC and Headteacher Donald Currie, laid a ceremonial brick.

The new facilities will replace the existing school and represent a £6.1 million investment, with £4.65 million coming from East Ayrshire Council and an additional £1.45 million from the Scottish Government Early Learning and Childcare capital-funding programme.

The Council had planned to create a new primary school but the additional government funding has allowed the original plans to be expanded and significantly enhanced. The facilities will provide an exciting social, leisure and educational hub in the heart of the village, with early childhood facilities that meet the needs of the Scottish Government’s commitment to provide free childcare for all 3-5 year olds and eligible 2 year olds.

Councillor Douglas Reid said: “This is an exciting development for Bellsbank and, by next year, this area will be home to a stunning new building, offering something for everyone in the local community.

“The Bellsbank development builds on our unswerving commitment to make sure every young person in East Ayrshire benefits from the very best education we can possibly offer.”

The building work has also seen the contractors, Ashleigh Construction, offer a number of local pupils work experience, with additional apprentices also being employed on site. Site visits and engagement events with the local community and schools have also taken place allowing the community to have an insight and up to date knowledge on the progress and eventual benefits.

Councillor Fiona Campbell, Cabinet Member for Skills and Learning added: “Education is at the heart of the Council’s 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.”

The new Bellsbank Primary School and Early Childhood Centre is scheduled to open in Spring 2020.