The turnkey project was part of the Scottish Government’s 1140 hours programme to provide free nursery places to children aged 2-5 years old, building on the success of the Cherry Tree Nursery project Portakabin delivered for South Ayrshire Council.

Pauline Bradley, service lead, professional design services, South Ayrshire Council, said: “The new centre is extremely energy efficient and utilises air source heat pumps and photo-voltaic roof panels. These measures, combined with a highly insulated fabric and careful orientation, have resulted in a carbon neutral building which South Ayrshire Council are extremely proud of.”

Rory Robertson, divisional managing director of Portakabin (Scotland), added: “It was a real coup to secure this second contract with South Ayrshire Council and we were delighted to be able to work with them to ensure every aspect of the project, from design to manufacturing, was completely carbon neutral and delivered on time and on budget despite the challenge of lockdown.”

The £2.3 million Forehill project saw Portakabin install 18 modules overall, creating a 760m² permanent building. The Portakabin team completed all planning and building warrant approvals to foundations, services and external play areas and provided all specialist mechanical and engineering systems.

Every aspect of the project was precisely measured and controlled for resources used and waste generated and annual utility running costs for the building are expected to be a third of the cost of a traditional build.

Portakabin worked in partnership with South Ayrshire Council’s Early Years and Professional Design Services teams, EDP Scotland, McGregor McMahn Consulting Engineers, Ace Contracts Scotland and the R&A Group.