Local councillors have claimed credit on the ambitious proposal to move Largs Academy to a joint campus with Inverclyde Sports Centre at the back of town.

We revealed last week that a major proposal, dependent on various funding grants, to build a new super school at the greenbelt behind Alexander Avenue, which may include local primaries, is being considered by North Ayrshire Council cabinet.

Consultation with parents and a wide range of interested parties is taking palce over the coming months into the £30m project, in tandem with sportscotland.

Commenting on the announcement, local Labour Councillor Alex Gallagher said: “I am delighted at this development, particularly as it follows from a motion that I proposed at the full council meeting of 11th December that, in light of the failure of the three-towns campus, the council should instead pursue a new campus to replace Largs Academy.

“It is significant that the proposals now have all-party support among North Coast councillors, and I hope that this spirit of co-operation will contribute to the success of the project.” “I know that there are a number of hurdles to be overcome before this proposal can be realised, but it is potentially great news for the parents and pupils of Largs and district. The present Academy building is clearly approaching the end of its productive life and will have to be replaced soon.

“This proposal presents an opportunity to get a replacement Largs Academy sooner rather than later and, at the same time, assure the future of the Inverclyde Centre as an asset to the town and North Ayrshire. It will also provide land for building much-needed social housing in the town.

“However, if there is a lesson to be learned from the failure of the 3-Towns Campus, it is that public consultation on the campus must be open and comprehensive. This is not just a project for councillors and the council. All of the town must be involved and have their support sought.” Councillor Gallagher concluded: “I know it is the intention of councillors and council officers to make sure that all opinions are canvassed. We believe that this can be done through a process of pre-engagement to ensure that the conduct of the consultation is acceptable to all parties and provide broad support for any final plans for the new Academy Campus.” Depute Leader of North Ayrshire Council and local SNP councillor Alan Hill said, “I am delighted that as an SNP administration, working with our council colleagues, we are able to bring this proposal forward for the benefit of not just the north coast but the entire council area. This is a hugely exciting project and one that will have an enormous positive impact on Largs and district.

“The collaboration with sportscotland is particularly exciting, offering as it does the possibility of creating a school of excellence for sport, within a modern and up to date educational environment and, hopefully, new and improved access to vocational education too.

“We still have quite a long way to go and timescales are tight but I am sure that with local support we will manage to get this done in time. I very much look forward to engaging with other ward councillors, parents, staff and other stakeholders in taking this project forward to the next level.” Fellow SNP councillor for Largs, Alex McLean added: “I am hugely supportive of this initiative and pleased that this is being led by an SNP Administration. Although the SNP has led on this issue it is, of course, a matter for all of North Ayrshire’s councillors and I look forward to working with opposition colleagues to ensure the best outcome for our area.” Conservative Councillor Tom Marshall has expressed support for the ambitious project.