Named after the world-renowned author, who was born and educated in Kilmarnock, the £45.3m, 18,360m² campus will accommodate approximately 1,465 secondary, 383 primary and 160 early years pupils between the ages of 2-18 and will be provided by East Ayrshire Council and Hub South West Scotland, through Scotland’s Schools for the Future programme.
This M&E contract, awarded by Kier Construction, further demonstrates and cements SPIE’s track record and expertise in delivering innovative solutions across the education sector. It follows the successful completion of its £7m multi-technical services contract at North Ayrshire Council’s 17,000m² Garnock Community Campus, along with some 40 other Scottish education wins over the past 10 years. This latest contract builds on a successful and collaborative partnership with Kier Construction — working closely with their design team throughout this exciting new venture.
SPIE UK’s diverse range of works and responsibilities on site comprise mechanical and electrical works including the installation of Low Temperature Hot Water (LTHW), heating (including underfloor), domestic water services, syphonic drainage, data-voice, LV Switchgear, stand-by generator, lighting and power, combined heat and power unit, ventilation, fire sprinkler system, fire alarms and security systems.
The installation will also feature a daylight-linked PIR lighting control system, including absence detection in classrooms, which reflects SPIE’s expertise with energy saving solutions whilst contributing to energy management on campus.
The architects, NORR, have designed the new campus building to minimise overall energy consumption whilst adapting to a variety of interactive and collaborative teaching and learning needs.
Delivered by Kier Construction, the new campus will aceducationcommodate the merger of Kilmarnock Academy, James Hamilton Academy, New Farm Primary and Early Childhood Centre and Silverwood Primary.
A third new school, Sgoil na Coille Nuaidhe, offering Gaelic language provision will replace the existing provision offered at Onthank Primary School and Grange Academy.
There will also be a multi-use games area as well as flexible community facilities.
Will Smith, Managing Director of SPIE UK’s Multi-Technical Services Scotland division, commented: “We’re delighted to have been selected by Kier Construction for another prestigious and pioneering venture in the Scottish education sector, following on from our works at Garnock Community Campus. Today’s rapidly transforming learning environment and tools demand flexibility and ease of maintenance, and therefore we will be incorporating the latest state-of-the-art technology and energy efficiency initiatives during the design phase. The campus will generate substantial employment, growth and investment opportunities across East Ayrshire, whilst creating the infrastructure to support continuous education of young people in Kilmarnock and the surrounding areas.”
Brian McQuade, Kier Construction’s Scotland Managing Director said: “Education continues to be a prominent sector for Kier and we’re delighted to be working in partnership with SPIE once again to deliver this latest contemporary build in Ayrshire. The SPIE team brings significant mechanical and electrical works prowess to the design process, particularly in the field of energy management, which is an important part of this innovative solution.”
