Councillors, staff and representatives from the main contractor came together to declare the building officially open on Friday 15 December.

The building provides a vital new base for the area’s Grounds Maintenance, Waste Management and Golf operational staff. It houses new office space and welfare facilities, replacing the temporary staff accommodation that’s situated in the near-by council yard.

With its category A+ Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), the building has an outstanding energy performance of net zero carbon or better.

South Ayrshire Council’s Portfolio Holder for Tourism, Culture and Rural Affairs, Councillor Alec Clark, said: “We’re committed to providing our employees with modern, fit for purpose work bases and doing our bit to reduce the council’s carbon emissions. The new Bridge Street Depot building ticks both boxes.

“It’s wonderful to add such an asset to the council’s estate and it’s great to see this kind of investment in a more rural part of South Ayrshire.”

South Ayrshire Council’s portfolio holder for sport and leisure, Councillor Brian Connolly, said: “The Bridge Street Depot building is a real turning point for us as a council. It’s been an impressive project to see take shape and I’m delighted that we’ve been able to open it before the turn of the year.

“We’ve got a brilliant golf course at Girvan, that our Grounds Maintenance staff work extremely hard to maintain to the highest standards. So, it’s only right that our employees have a modern, suitable base to work from.”

South Ayrshire Council’s portfolio holder for buildings, housing and environment, Councillor Martin Kilbride, added: “It’s great to see the new Bridge Street Depot building open. It’s a flagship project for the council and one that we’re extremely proud of. Net zero carbon was our ambition for this project and that’s exactly what we’ve achieved.

“The welfare of our staff is paramount to ensure they are in the best position to deliver a fantastic service to the people of South Ayrshire. The teams who will use this building as their base have seen out many cold winters in the temporary portacabin accommodation and waited patiently for this day. It’s clear that the staff are delighted with their new space. I’d like to congratulate and thank all those who have been involved in this project from start to finish.”