An agreement has been reached on the acquisition of Marr College's school buildings and grounds by South Ayrshire Council.

It is an important milestone in a project that will transform the Troon college into a modern school.

The agreement between the Council and the C K Marr Educational Trust – which owned the school and leased the buildings to the Council – means the path is now clear for investment of up to £27m to modernise the original school building as well as provide new learning and teaching accommodation.

The funding for the investment will come from the Scottish Futures Trust, through the Scottish Government's Schools for the Future programme, and from South Ayrshire Council.

The Council and Marr Trust have also agreed to extend the Council's lease of the adjacent playing fields for a further 25 years, meaning the current lease arrangements will be in place for the next 50 years.

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Councillor Bill McIntosh, Leader of South Ayrshire Council said: "This is a really exciting step forward and one that brings the delivery of a modern community and learning campus – which will transform facilities not just for pupils and staff but for people in Troon and the surrounding areas – even closer.

"Today's agreement with Marr Trust will allow us, in partnership with the Scottish Government, to establish a stimulating and creative environment for our pupils, where high quality learning and teaching is delivered in a state-of-the-art environment that matches the quality of the education provided inside. This will help ensure our pupils have the best possible opportunity to achieve their full potential and match the aspirations of Curriculum for Excellence.

"Alongside this, the extended lease of the playing fields protects this valuable facility for both school and community use for generations to come, meaning social, health and wellbeing benefits for all. This really is a milestone day for everyone involved with Marr College."

The Marr College modernisation project will be delivered by the newly-established South West hubCo. Managed by the Scottish Futures Trust, it was set up in November 2012 to deliver major public sector building projects.

Consultation on designs for the improved school will begin later this year with building work expected to start on site in late 2014. An anticipated completion date has been given for late 2016.

(JP)