Construction work has started on the development of the new Sacred Heart Primary School in Girvan, South Ayrshire Council has announced.

The old Sacred Heart building was demolished last year to make way for the new state-of-the-art £4.6 million school.

Built over two storeys, the five-classroom building will accommodate up to 125 children. The semi open-plan design will include interactive learning areas, a nurture room, a general-purpose room, and a multi-use dining/PE hall.

Outside, children will benefit from a host of innovative features such as a sensory garden; a traversing wall; active play; teaching, dining, and social spaces, along with an enclosed games area for ball sports.

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The new school will also be energy efficient, with air source heat pumps and solar panels.

Welcoming the start of work, Councillor William Grant, Children and Young People Portfolio Holder for South Ayrshire Council said: "I'm delighted that work has started on the new Sacred Heart Primary School.

"The new school will provide a modern, innovative and engaging environment, reinforcing our priority to ensure that our children and young people get the best possible start in life and thrive throughout their years at school.

"This investment in our school estate will bring a fantastic new learning facility to Girvan and will help us close the attainment gap in South Ayrshire. I look forward to seeing the building take shape."

The new school is due to open at the start of the August 2022 session.