Work began this week on the £1 million refurbishment of Galston's Community Education Centre – one of the first buildings to be developed as part of East Ayrshire Council's £4.5 million commitment to regenerate the Irvine Valley.

Centre users, community members and councillors gathered to mark the first stage of the ambitious regeneration programme, which includes a makeover of Council offices in Galston town centre.

The existing building is set to be stripped out, new mechanical and electrical services installed – including a new passenger lift - and the roof, windows, doors and internal fittings all replaced. Work is scheduled for completion in March 2012.

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Builders Clark Contracts will carry out the work.

Leader of the Council, Councillor Douglas Reid, said: "This development emphasises our commitment to developments in the Irvine Valley. Galston will benefit from an investment of nearly £4.5 million and this is in addition to the project at Darvel Primary School which will see a further investment of £5 million."

Performing the official part of the ceremony, Spokesperson for Lifelong Learning, Councillor Hugh Ross, said he was really impressed with the work that goes on in the communities of East Ayrshire.

He commented: "It is important that the commitment of so many individuals is supported by the provision of the best possible facilities. This refurbishment will see a direct investment of £1 million in the building, which will provide a superb facility for this community in the future."

Managing Director of Clark Contracts, Gordon Cunningham, added: "We are delighted to have been awarded this contract which extends our relationship with East Ayrshire Council."

The company has worked for the Council on similar contracts – Netherthird Community Centre, Ellisland Care Home, Netherthird Sports Pavilion and James Hamilton Academy.

(JG/BMcC)