The design, build finance and maintain (DBFM) projects, with a combined value of £57m, will attract revenue support from the Scottish Futures Trust (SFT) as part of the Scottish Government’s ‘Scotland’s Schools for the Future’ Phase 3 programme.

Marr College in Troon will undergo a comprehensive refurbishment, modernisation and expansion programme. The original listed Grade B building will be refurbished and a brand new wing will be built over three storeys, connecting it to the rear of the original building over all floors. A single-storey sports facility will also be built, which will be easily accessible for both pupils and the wider community out of school hours.

All works to Marr College will be carried out while the school remains operational and work is due to start in the third quarter of next year. The school currently has a roll of 1,033 pupils and following completion in summer 2018, its capacity will increase to 1,360 pupils.

Kier is also due to begin work on the site of the new Ayr Academy in the third quarter of next year. The secondary school, which is currently located in the town’s Fort Street, will relocate to the new Craigie Estate when the new build is complete in spring 2017. The new school, with integrated sports block, will initially cater for 1,000 pupils, with the potential to increase that number to 1,300 following completion of housing developments within the catchment area, effectively doubling the current roll of 617.

Managing director of Kier Construction’s Scotland & north-east England business, Brian McQuade, said: “We are delighted that Kier has been appointed to construct these key educational facilities by South Ayrshire Council for the communities of Troon and Ayr. We will be working closely with the local council and hub South West Scotland to construct state-of-the-art education, teaching and sporting facilities, which will not only greatly enhance the lives of the students, but will also benefit everyone within the area by encouraging greater access to education, sports and community amenities.

“There is no doubt that these projects will provide a substantial boost to the local economy. The significant financial investment, combined with the employment opportunities that the developments will create for locally based suppliers and subcontractors, is great news for the people of South Ayrshire.”

Councillor Robin Reid, portfolio holder for resources and performance at South Ayrshire Council said: “It’s a very exciting time and, subject to planning approval being granted later this year, work can go ahead to create two fantastic new schools, delivering a top-class, teaching and learning experience for the 21st century and beyond.

“We’re aiming to have both projects on site by next summer. The development at Marr College will be delivered in phases around normal school activities, with a completion date of early 2018 and at Ayr we’re aiming to deliver the new school and learning campus there for the middle of 2017.”

Michael McBrearty, chief executive of hub South West Scotland, added: “Hub South West is a public private partnership which enables the cost efficient design and construction of community facilities, including schools, health centres and care homes, within the south-west of Scotland. We are very proud to be associated with these significant projects in South Ayrshire and the benefits that they will provide for students in the area.

“However, it’s important that the benefits to the wider communities are also recognised, such as access to training, further education and to sporting facilities, as well as the financial investment and the jobs opportunities that the developments will create.”