Lockhart Campus, in Stevenston, came out on top in the Inclusive Design category at the Learning Places Scotland Awards Ceremony.

The ASN school – which opened in 2021 – is the first of its kind in North Ayrshire and the vision from the outset was to create a unique, friendly and ambient facility that would allow the young people to flourish in a safe and welcoming environment.

North Ayrshire Council worked alongside partners hub South West, architects NORR and Morrison Construction to deliver on that vision.

The Inclusive Design award recognises a project that meets the needs of pupils and students with Additional Support Needs.

Councillor Shaun Macaulay, cabinet member for education, said: “Lockhart Campus is a fantastic facility and something we are all very proud of.

“The team involved in developing it have created something very special and it’s so rewarding to see how much the young people and staff are embracing it and enjoying being there.

“It was very much a team effort from our officers at North Ayrshire to our partners at hub South West, NORR and Morrison Construction. A huge well done to everyone.”

Michael Ross, chief executive of public sector development partner hub South West, said: “This award is testament to the hard work of the collective team that worked on this project. We are very proud that Lockhart Campus has been recognised on a national stage, showcasing the very best use of inclusive design in education and delivering on North Ayrshire Council’s vision for creating this fantastic facility.

“We have delivered 18 projects with North Ayrshire to date and have recirculated over £34 million of works packages to companies in North Ayrshire. We are very appreciative of this partnership with North Ayrshire Councial that enables these significant outputs.”

Jennifer Freeman, one of the lead architects on the project, said: “We are thrilled that Lockhart Campus has been recognised at the Learning Places Scotland Awards for its Inclusive Design. From the outset, the students were at the heart of the design to ensure we created an environment for them to thrive and to reach their full potential. Being able to see the young people using the spaces in a meaningful way is what makes designing these buildings so rewarding.”

David Ewing, managing director of Morrison Construction, added: “Our congratulations go to all of the project stakeholders and team members who contributed to the success of this project. The work done on this project was testament to a collective partnership working approach with the stakeholders and our supply chain, through Covid restrictions, to deliver an award-winning state-of-the-art facility where students can learn and will maximise their potential in an environment that is entirely appropriate to their needs.

“We are delighted that this project has been recognised in this way by the Learning Places Scotland awards committee, further emphasising the long term benefit to the communities and environment as a result of the partnerships we work in.”

The architecturally striking campus, which features a ribbon effect roof, offers a range of classroom settings as well as a swimming pool, hydrotherapy pool, sensory rooms, and a soft-play area - all providing an educational experience to children with a diverse range of additional support needs.

The school also incorporates enhanced outdoor learning spaces including an outdoor rebound area and external classrooms.

Winning the Inclusive Design category, the school, which provides for pupils with additional support needs, was notable for the extensive use of technology, creating a highly energy-efficient building, using heat recovery, biomass heating and natural and low-energy LED lighting. It provides a unique learning and living environment and fully accessible facilities for 200 children and young people, from the early stages to the senior phase.

As well as sensory spaces the campus includes a swimming pool, a hydrotherapy pool and enhanced outdoor learning spaces. The same scheme was shortlisted for Inspiring Learning Spaces, alongside Winchburgh Schools Campus.

The Learning Places Scotland Awards provide recognition of excellence in the design of educational buildings. For a full list of winners click here.