The new Learning Centre located within the Carrick Buildings in Girvan, is already serving members of the Carrick Community and will be officially launched later this year.

Nicola Hendry, who was formerly a member of the Council’s Community Education Section, and has a background in rural regeneration, has been appointed as Manager of the Learning Centre.

Speaking about the Learning Centre the Leader of the Council, Councillor Andy Hill said: “South Ayrshire Council and Ayr College are working in partnership to share resources and deliver learning and training opportunities to people in the Carrick area. The new Learning Centre will become a ‘hub’ to smaller centres in the area, adding value and diversity to the facilities already on offer as well as giving support to regeneration areas in Dailly and Maybole.

“The Learning Centre provides an excellent opportunity for local people to access a wide range of learning provision and support services under one roof. I hope that people will make full use of the Centre, and that they will enjoy their learning experience.”

To make people feel welcome from the moment they enter the Centre, whether they are new or returning learners, a new reception area is being created. The Centre currently offers a wide range of opportunities through the flexible learning unit, including languages and Information Technology (IT), and intends to deliver remote sites in the future.

Currently under development within the Centre is the Information Zone, which once complete will offer information, advice and guidance on learning and training opportunities, childcare, income maximisation, transport, employment and volunteering opportunities. Organisations such as Careers Scotland, Jobcentre Plus and community groups will be actively encouraged to display material in the Information Zone, to provide clients with a ‘one stop shop’.

Speaking about her appointment Nicola Hendry said: “I am delighted to have been appointed to this post, and over the next few months will be very busy putting new systems in place, and conducting a community consultation across the Carrick area to find out what local people want, and then developing ways to best meet their learning needs.”

A close partnership has been forged with Ayr College during the creation of the Learning Centre, and Diane Rawlinson, Principal of Ayr College said: “The partnership between Ayr College and South Ayrshire Council is an excellent example of key organisations pooling resources for the benefit of local communities. I am sure that the new Learning centre and Information Zone will be highly valued by the local people. This is a community resource and we look forward to hearing how people would like to use it.”

The date of the official launch, and information about special open days will be publicised later this year.

September 2005