St Ninians, Prestwick
Location
Prestwick, South Ayrshire
Timeline
Project Completed April 2025
Client
South Ayrshire Council
OVERVIEW
42 new homes on the former St Ninians Primary School site
McTaggart Construction delivered 42 new homes for South Ayrshire Council on the former St Ninians Primary School site in Prestwick, within an established urban residential area east of the town centre. The development comprises a mix of 2, 3 and 4 bed houses, cottage flats and bungalows, with 14% designed to wheelchair standard. The scheme achieved Secured by Design accreditation and Housing for Varying Needs compliance throughout.
42
New homes for South Ayrshire Council
80%
Of supply chain from local businesses
65 Weeks
Design and Build programme, delivered on time
Project Gallery
PROGRAMME
A 65-week Design and Build contract with five staged handovers
Delivered under a Design and Build contract, the 65-week programme was completed within timescale, with five staged handovers commencing in January 2025 ahead of practical completion in April 2025.
CHALLENGES
Variable ground conditions on a constrained brownfield site
The site presented variable ground conditions, including made ground, peat deposits and groundwater, requiring tailored foundation solutions and ground gas protection measures. Proximity to Prestwick North Educational Campus and Prestwick Academy, alongside a busy commuter route at the site entrance, meant deliveries were restricted to between 9.30am and 2.30pm throughout the build.
INSIGHTS
A fabric-first, risk-led design exceeding local carbon targets
The design adopted a fabric-first, risk-led approach, with sustainable drainage achieved through permeable paving and gravity-led solutions. Photovoltaic panels delivered an average CO₂ abatement in excess of 25% across the development, well ahead of the 15% local planning requirement, while enhanced U-values and thermally modelled details achieved SAP ratings typically in the low-90s.
COMMUNITY BENEFIT
Local jobs, work placements and schools engagement
The project created two new jobs within McTaggart Group and two work placements with CEIS for individuals from the local KA12 and KA13 postcode areas. The team delivered mock interviews for S5 pupils at Belmont Academy and took part in local careers events, including the EQUAL Reverse Jobs Fair and skills sessions at Prestwick Academy. 80% of the supply chain was sourced from local businesses.
OUTCOMES
Built to the Highest Standard
- 42 homes delivered on time within a 65-week Design and Build programme
- Average CO₂ abatement of 25%+ through solar PV, exceeding the 15% requirement
- SAP ratings typically in the low-90s, supporting affordable warmth for residents
- 80% of the supply chain sourced from local businesses
“From the start of a project to completion communication is always above and beyond. They listen to their client and have a great understanding of what is needed and deliver to the highest levels. The project teams are always available to answer any queries and react to situations quickly and professionally”