Morrison Construction has been awarded the contract for the £5 million project – a partnership between South Ayrshire Council and South Carrick Community Leisure (SCCL) – which will transform the sport, leisure and cultural facilities available to local communities and visitors.

The facility, which is scheduled to open at the end of 2016, will comprise a 25 metre pool, a two-storey soft play area, a superb fitness gym with around 40 fitness stations, a flexible multi-purpose studio that can be used for arts, culture and community events. It will also have a café area where people can keep an eye on the sport and leisure activities underway throughout the centre or simply sit back and enjoy the stunning views out to Ailsa Craig.

To ensure the design of the new facility reflects best practice and quality industry standards, Morrison Construction has appointed architects Archial Norr to the project. This means the continued involvement of Paul Weston, who created the initial designs for the building.

Morrison Construction will also be working with Devin Consulting – leaders in the design and specification of swimming pools and equipment – to progress the plans.

Updated designs will be produced in the New Year and will be made available to the local community. The planning application is expected to be submitted before Easter 2015, with work getting underway before the end of the year.

Councillor Bill McIntosh, leader of South Ayrshire Council, said: “The appointment of our design and build contractors shows just how far this project has come, especially over the last three to four months. And it’s a very clear and visible sign to the people of Girvan and South Carrick that they will be getting their new sport and leisure facility within the next two years.

“I look forward to seeing the more detailed designs that will show how this facility will be brought to life. And, more importantly, I very much look forward to seeing the construction work start before the end of next year.”

Andrew Sinclair, chair of SCCL, added: “What a brilliant way to end the year, with contractors and nearly all our funding in place. It’s really exciting to think that work will get underway next year and our families and friends will be swimming in the pool, working out in the gym, or having fun in the soft play the year after.

“We’ll be working closely with Morrison’s to progress the design work and will have some exciting designs to share with our communities in the spring of 2015.”

Eddie Robertson, regional director, Morrison Construction Scotland Central, added: “We are delighted to have been chosen by South Ayrshire council to design and construct the new Girvan and South Carrick leisure facility. This appointment reflects our reputation and strong market presence within the leisure sector and we look forward to delivering a first class facility which will be of great benefit to the community in further developing sport, fitness and recreation in the area.”