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The ceremony marked the start of construction of the new 18,000m² UWS Campus being developed in partnership with SAC (the Scottish Agricultural College) on the Craigie Estate, next to the River Ayr.  Construction partner, Bovis Lend Lease UK, has begun the initial enabling works phase of the development.

Planned and designed by leading Scottish-based architects RMJM, the new campus is part of the University’s £250million development programme. It will create an innovative learning environment for over 4,000 students, including students from SAC.  Shared facilities will include teaching and learning spaces, gym, refectory, library, music and drama studios and computing labs.

The new campus has been developed in consultation with the Natural Garden Society, Historic Scotland, Scottish Natural Heritage and the Scottish Wildlife Trust. It will provide Ayrshire with one of the UK’s most modern, environmentally-friendly and sustainable higher education learning environments.  It is designed to the highest environmental rating – BREEAM Excellent (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) – adopting sustainable strategies within the design and operation of the new building.

Professor Seamus McDaid, Principal and Vice Chancellor of the University of the West of Scotland, said: “We are delighted that construction of our new Ayr campus is underway. This unique campus facility will enable us to expand our course provision and develop an international dimension to our operations in Ayr, with a campus that will attract students from across the globe.”

Professor Bill McKelvey, Principal of SAC, said: “We are delighted to mark the start of this project. It has been planned for a number of years and today we look forward to real progress. The investment represents a magnificent opportunity for the town of Ayr and for higher education in Scotland.”