The Quay Zone – which will be operated by South Carrick Community Leisure (SCCL) on behalf of South Ayrshire Council – will transform leisure and community facilities across the area, with a 25 metre swimming pool, soft play area, superb fitness gym, flexible multi-purpose studio/community space, changing facilities and café.

Alan Calderwood, manager of Morrison Construction, which has been appointed as the design and build contractor for the project, said: “We are delighted to have been selected to deliver this purpose built community facility for the people of Girvan and South Carrick. It is so important for children to have fun and get active in a safe environment and for parents to share their enjoyment and meet other families. I hope the community will get many years of enjoyment from the new leisure centre.”

Michael McBrearty, chief executive of development partner hub South West, added: “This is an exciting new development for Girvan and South Carrick, and hub South West are delighted to be a part of it.

“The Quay Zone will provide a fantastic, modern environment for the community to enjoy and will be visited by many generations to come.

“We are proud that local people benefit from the projects we are involved in, and we look forward to working with South Ayrshire Council, Morrison Construction and contractors from the surrounding area to deliver this excellent community facility.”

The Quay Zone name and logo were suggested by Ballantrae resident, Robert Whittington, who entered the public competition to name the new centre and now becomes the Quay Zone’s very first member by winning a year’s free membership.

Most of the funding for the Quay Zone has been provided by South Ayrshire Council, with additional funding contributions from sportscotland, Scottish Government Regeneration Capital Grant Fund, Carrick Futures, Hadyard Hill Community Benefit Fund, Scottish Power Renewables Kilgallioch Wind Farm, and the William Grant Foundation.

Councillor Bill McIntosh, leader of South Ayrshire Council, said: “Today is a truly historic occasion as we embark on a journey that will not only help regenerate the Girvan and South Carrick area and economy, but will have a very real and positive impact on people’s health and wellbeing and quality of life.

“The council has worked closely with South Carrick Community Leisure to ensure that our people and communities have had their say every step of the way, and there’s no doubt they have been a real driving force in getting us to where we are today.

“I know that passion and commitment will continue as SCCL take up the operational reins and I hope they get the buy-in and support they need from the local community to make sure the Quay Zone is a great success.

“I’m very proud of what the council and community have achieved, working in partnership. There’s no doubt we are making a difference and making lives better and I’m very much looking forward to seeing the Quay Zone take shape at Girvan Harbour.”

The Quay Zone will open in March 2017.