Project: Ayr Grammar and Archive Centre
Sector: Education
Client: South Ayrshire Council
Delivery authority: hub South West Scotland
Main Contractor: Morrison Construction
Architects: BDP
Furniture: Bespoke fixed and loose furniture for primary and early years education
The Project
A listed riverside building has been brought back to life with the creation of a vibrant new educational and community campus in Ayr.
The £16m Ayr Grammar and Archive Centre accommodates a primary school, early years centre, community arts centre, and is the new home for Ayrshire Archives and Registry which houses repositories for historical records and the Ayrshire fine art collection.
The historically rich site has been the location of a school for over 400 years and the current building has been a local landmark since the 1800s.
The 5000sqm regeneration project has created a modern learning environment with capacity for more than 430 children and includes innovative indoor and outdoor spaces, and a multi-use games facility.
The Furniture Solution
Deanestor designed, manufactured and installed a range of furniture solutions for the primary school and early years centre including benching, storage units, adjustable shelving, shoebox units, cloakroom benches, as well as loose furniture such as seating and tables.
Deanestor also provided bespoke metal and wood shelving, solid surface worktops, and storage cabinets for the adjacent archive centre and registry.
All the furniture reflects the neutral colour palette for the scheme’s interior, using light grey and wood-effect finishes. This would allow colours to be expressed in children’s artwork.
The Customer Perspective
Allan Cunningham, Operations Director, Morrison Construction:
“Ayr Grammar follows Deanestor’s successful delivery of furniture and fitout contracts on other award-winning education projects for Morrison, including Barony Campus, and we are working with them on a number of new school schemes. Their team performed well, and we are very pleased with the finished building.”
Lindsey Mitchell, Architect Director, BDP:
“This project is an exemplar of how the re-use of historic buildings is relevant to contemporary education. It is a fantastic refurbishment, and we hope it will be a catalyst for further regeneration of this historic area in the town of Ayr.”
Awards
- Learning Places Scotland - Project of the Year
- Glasgow Institute of Architects - Education and Conservation Award
- Scottish Design Awards - Award commendation
- Scottish Property Awards - Finalist for Architectural Excellence Award
A Long Track Record in Education
Deanestor manufactures and installs bespoke, robust and flexible loose and fixed furniture solutions for early years, primary, SEN, and secondary education, fitting out areas such as classrooms, science laboratories, ICT, design and technology, atria, social dining spaces, break-out areas, sports facilities and changing rooms.
Our experienced designers and project managers work with architects, contractors and directly with schools and local authorities, advising on specification of furniture and equipment to help deliver inspirational learning environments.