The remediation and enabling works to prepare the site for construction of the new campus are progressing well but have been subject to delays as a result of various periods of particularly adverse weather conditions since the project began.

Remediation works at the Ardrossan Coastal Quarter site involve the treatment of soil and groundwater to meet the highest standards according to UK Government Environmental Guidelines. This work started last year and is being carried out by Sanctus Ltd.

Enabling works are also now underway and are being carried out by RJ McLeod. These works involve installation of a revetment, creation of a new spine road and coastal path, earth movement and other works to ensure the site is ready for the development of the new community campus.

As well as the educational and community campus, new houses, commercial developments and coastal paths are planned for development at the site as part of wider regeneration plans for Ardrossan.

The delays mean that the completion date for the new campus has had to be revised from August 2026, with the facility now anticipated to open during the second half of 2027. Regular updates will continue to be provided as the works progress.

Councillor Marie Burns, leader of North Ayrshire Council, said: “This is a very complex, large-scale development. The remediation and site preparation are absolutely vital and we are working with our contractors to ensure that all requirements are met, as well as reviewing the programme regularly as the works progress in order to keep all stakeholders updated.

“The delivery of major construction projects in the current climate continues to be challenging and this has been well publicised nationally. While any delay is disappointing, the progress on-site to date is very encouraging. We will continue to closely monitor the condition of the existing buildings which will need to remain open for a longer period.

“We are conscious of the impact of the works on local residents and will continue to work with our contractors to do all that we can to minimise the inconvenience to those neighbouring the new development.”

The council appointed Morgan Sindall last year to complete the design of the new campus facility.

Similar to other new education campus projects elsewhere in the country, the challenge of rising costs and supply challenges has led to a move away from the formal ‘Passivhaus Classic’ energy efficiency standard for the new facility.

The new development will still meet ambitious energy markers including those laid out by the Scottish Government to support wider net-zero ambitions and be a high quality, low carbon and an innovative educational setting for learners and visitors.

Councillor Marie Burns added: “We thoroughly explored the Passivhaus option, however for a project of this scale it is too costly and challenging to procure the necessary suppliers.

“We remain absolutely committed to creating an outstanding educational and community campus that will be built to high energy-efficiency standards and will be a flagship community facility for the people of Ardrossan and the wider Three Towns communities.”