Budget-saving options to be considered as South Ayrshire school campus costs rise

Councillors are set to agree to spend a further £6 million on the Maybole Community Campus after it was revealed that the project has fallen victim to material shortages.

Budget-saving options to be considered as South Ayrshire school campus costs rise

The Leadership Panel at South Ayrshire Council will be asked to increase the £52.86m budget set for the campus to £59.33m next week.

Councillors will also consider money-saving options such as removing a second £3.34m all-weather pitch, a wind turbine and a multi-use games area from the plans.



South Ayrshire Council leader Peter Henderson revealed that the new build - which will consist of a replacement for Carrick Academy, Cairn, Gardenrose and St. Cuthbert’s primary schools and an early years facility - was to rise by at least £5m earlier this month.

The proposed increase in costs will also increase the money the council pays in borrowing charges by around £400,000 a year.

A report to the Leadership Panel said: “The supply of materials to the construction industry is under severe pressure resulting in longer lead in times, higher prices and price volatility.”

“Material shortages are said to be the result of a number of compound factors including issues with the supply chain due to global demand shocks, container shortages and port delays, and construction demand rises in the second half of 2020.



The increased paperwork at UK ports post Brexit has a been a factor along with ‘sharp rises in shipping costs and temporary surcharges’.

The report continues: “The costs for the Maybole Campus Project have risen by a substantial amount over the past six months.”

The campus also focuses on community and sports uses, including a swimming pool.

Initially conceived as a £42m project, South Ayrshire Council granted planning approval for the £50m Maybole Community Campus in December last year.



Morgan Sindall was appointed via hub South West to build both the Maybole Community Campus and Prestwick Educational Campus, with architects BDP appointed to lead the design team.


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