Work is underway on a £37m modernisation and redevelopment programme of a college in South Ayrshire, Hub South West Scotland has announced.

An official turf cutting ceremony took place at Marr College with Learning Minister Dr Alasdair Allan alongside Council Leader Bill Mcintosh.

The project is being delivered in partnership with the council and Kier Construction. In addition, it is being funded by the Scottish Futures Trust through the government's Schools for the Future programme.

A new technical wing and sports block is to be built. New and original buildings will be connected via a glass atrium, with a roof also being installed over the existing courtyards to provide new learning spaces in the heart of the building.

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Learning Minister Alasdair Allan said: "I was delighted to be part of the ceremony which marks an exciting milestone for the new Marr College.

"I'm pleased to see the designs for the school combine the historic elements of the building with modern architecture to create a fantastic, state-of-the-art environment for pupils to learn in. The new school will also provide modern leisure facilities the whole community will enjoy for generations to come."

Hub South West Chief Executive, Michael McBrearty, added: "We are thrilled that this exciting project is now under way, having successfully delivered the Marr all-weather sports facilities back in June.

"This innovative project will bring a new lease of life to Marr College as well as a wide range of modern provisions for the community."

The works will be completed on a phased basis, with the new technical wing scheduled for completion by the end of 2016, with pupils and staff moving into the building in January 2017.

The refurbishment of the existing building and the new sports block will be complete by the end of 2017, with pupils moving into the college in 2018.

(LM/JP)