The ceremonious 'topping-out' of a new £4.9m community and resource centre in Auchinleck took place this week.

Locals gathered with elected members to celebrate the event with Councillor Douglas Reid, Leader of the Council.

He said: "This state-of-the-art Well Road building – due for completion in May 2013 – will bring modern facilities to the area and provide a much improved environment for visitors and staff alike, replacing the previous centre."

The facility will provide a range of services to the East Ayrshire area, including a learning centre, library, interview rooms, general training and community room, two community halls, three multi-purpose rooms and a kitchen.

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A daycare centre will also be housed in the building and will include a general training and community room, activity space, two offices, three lounges, garden room, interview and treatment rooms, quiet room, dining room and kitchen, as well as an outside garden area.

The project adds to a list of developments recently undertaken in the area, including the £10.5m Cumnock Office Development and £1.1m Sorn Primary School refurbishment.

Councillor Stephanie Primrose, Spokesperson for Lifelong Learning, said: "This important milestone marks significant progress in the new development – a community centre and a resource centre, making provision for all ages.

"The facilities here will be the very best we can provide. We are in the lucky position of being able to learn from similar projects that have been recently completed and this one will have some of the best features of these developments."

Councillor Kathy Morrice, Spokesperson for Community Health and Wellbeing, added: "This will be a fantastic building, which will more than adequately replace the old, well-loved centre, which provided many happy memories.

"When it’s completed, this state-of-the-art new building will give local people the modern, welcoming heart to the community that they richly deserve."

(IT)