Members of the community and elected members took a tour of inspection of Galston’s Community Education Centre, to check progress on its £1 million refurbishment.

Looking much brighter after its recent facelift, the Orchard Street centre is one of the first buildings to be developed as part of East Ayrshire Council’s £4.5 million commitment to regenerate the Irvine Valley.

The refurbishment, which is progressing well, marks the first stage of an ambitious programme which includes full improvement works to Galston’s existing Council offices and new-build office accommodation alongside. Construction works on the community education centre will complete in mid April 2012.

External works to the centre are almost complete. This has involved the installation of a new main entrance, accessed via a ramp and steps.

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Internally, works have included a full refurbishment and some remodelling to deliver new male female and accessible toilets, along with a changing facility. The stage has been removed, which creates a larger hall, now serviced by new kitchen and bar facilities.

Upstairs rooms have been redecorated, creating two good-sized community meeting/training areas.

The building has had new heating, hot water system and air-conditioning systems installed, to cope with the demands of larger functions. Fire and security systems have been upgraded and are linked back to the Council’s Risk Management Centre for continuous monitoring. The building has been adapted to provide access to all areas for all members of the community.

Councillor Douglas Reid, Leader of the Council, said: "This project 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 sees a further £5 million investment.

"I am very impressed by the work that goes on in our communities, through youth work, adult education and community development. It is important that the commitment of so many individuals is supported – and this refurbishment will provide a superb facility for the community in the future."

Builders Clark Contracts have worked for the Council on similar projects – Netherthird Community Centre, Ellisland Care Home, Netherthird Sports Pavilion and James Hamilton Academy.

(GK)