Capital projects worth more than £94 million will be completed in the next 18 months as South Ayrshire Council invests in new and improved facilities across education, sport and residential care.

The first phase of work at Marr College was officially opened in January 2017 and staff and young people are now using the new technical wing. The next phase of work at Marr College will be complete by the end of 2017 and represents a total investment in the extension and comprehensive upgrade of this school of around £37m.

Councillor Margaret Toner, South Ayrshire Council’s portfolio holder for lifelong learning, said that the new wing at Marr was already proving popular: “Staff and young people have only been in the building for a few days but the difference this new facility is making to the quality of education is plain to see.

“With work getting underway on the second phase, the project will be complete by the end of the year and judging by the quality of the project to date I’m confident that we’ll be left with a first-class resource that will benefits generations to come.”

Kier Construction is delivering the Marr College project and managing director for the Scotland & north-east England business, Brian McQuade, said: “Kier has a strong track record of delivering quality schools throughout Scotland, most recently in Ayrshire. We’re proud to have completed Phase 1 of the refurbishment programme, and to have started work on Phase 2, which involves the creation of a new PE block.

“We’ve worked with local suppliers and SMEs to ensure that the project boosts the local economy of Troon and the surrounding area. So far, we’ve created 20 apprenticeships, 10 work placements and two graduate traineeships, offering local young people a unique insight into the diverse range of roles available in the construction industry.”

Michael McBrearty, chief executive of development partner hub South West, added: “hub South West are proud to have been involved in this innovative and exciting partnership project to ensure this comprehensive refurbishment and modernisation of Marr College results in an inspiring and motivational environment where pupils can learn.

“With a proven reputation for delivering successful projects for South Ayrshire Council, hub South West are thrilled to have reached another prestigious milestone through this effective partnership.”

Several other major school projects are also nearing completion. Tarbolton Community Campus and Daily Primary will welcome young people in February and March, and extensions to Annbank Primary School and Troon Primary School will be completed in the first half of 2017.

A new Invergarven School in Girvan will also commence works on site in spring 2017.

Other projects include extensions to existing cemeteries in Ayr and Troon and the delivery of a new build children’s home in Coylton. Troon Golf Clubhouse refurbishment will also be completed early in 2017 as will the new leisure facility in Girvan called the Quay Zone.

Councillor Robin Reid, South Ayrshire Council’s portfolio holder for resources and performance, said that the programme of work marked their busiest ever period: “In the next 12 months we’ll see a major package of projects delivered for people across South Ayrshire that will transform facilities for thousands of people.

“Capital projects like these are complex to deliver but I’m pleased to say that all our projects remain on track to be delivered on time and to the original budgets. By responding to the needs of our communities I’m confident that these fantastic new facilities will all be broadly welcomed when they come into public use throughout 2017.”

Other projects not included in the figure for 2017, but which are also in the pipeline, include the new Queen Margaret Academy and the Office Accommodation on Ayr High Street.

Capital projects list (pdf)