May 20 2021

BDP has completed a full refurbishment of the B-listed former Ayr Grammar as part of work to deliver a new primary and community hub.

Ayr Grammar Primary School has been delivered on behalf of South Ayrshire Council, doubling as a civic hub next to the 17th century Ayr Citadel through the provision of a community arts centre and archives housing historical records and fine art.

Lindsey Mitchell, Architect Director at BDP, said: “This project is an exemplar of how the re-use of historic buildings is relevant to contemporary education. We are hopeful that this fantastic refurbishment will be the catalyst for further regeneration of this important historic area in the town of Ayr.”

“This new education hub is a great example of how to bring the community together in one facility. The creation of a new public amenity that overlooks the river Ayr, and offers active frontage to South Harbour Street, provides the town with a real multi-generational offer that breathes new life into a fantastic historic building.”

Ayr Academy departed its historic home for a new build campus on the Craigie Estate in 2017. 

3 Comments

#1 Posted by Bill S on 20 May 2021 at 08:53 AM

Looks fantastic; well done all involved. Still not convinced of the stair / seat combinations that you seem to see in every new school or Uni, but that is a minor gripe.

#2 Posted by Jimbob Tanktop on 20 May 2021 at 14:06 PM

This is a very nice scheme but I do wonder at all of the plans to turn older buildings into 'arts hubs'. Almost as if the arts isn't a business and that 'art' can be wished into existence to fill buildings with joy and colour and busyness where there's no real business plan. The arts is one of the ten largest business sectors in the world and without also investing money in local or visiting artists, this sort of thing does read more like a wishlist.

#3 Posted by MV on 21 May 2021 at 12:29 PM

The final image is a cracker!

Post your comments