Council commit to investing nearly £329m on capital projects

Issued 20 February 2026

At a South Ayrshire Council meeting on 19 February, Councillors agreed to invest nearly £329m in delivering capital projects over the next 12 years.

Capital projects are large scale, non-recurring investments such as the refurbishment of the Citadel Leisure Centre in Ayr which is set to cost around £11m.

Around £32m will be spent over the next three years on the new Girvan Primary School and Early Years Centre, with works recently starting on site. The refurbishment of Troon Leisure Club will cost £5.4m (including SALIX Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme funding), with the bulk of the money spent this year and nearly £4.5m will be spent on improving golf courses. In Maybole, over £2.4m will be spent on helping to regenerate the town.

Nearly £40m has been earmarked for the Ayrshire Growth Deal. This funding may be used to improve commercial infrastructure around Prestwick Airport; additional funding would be required from the private sector.

Councillor Ian Davis, Policy Lead for Finance and Corporate Services for South Ayrshire Council said: "Despite significant budget pressures, we're committed to funding high-profile projects over the next 12 years. We've always invested heavily in capital projects with major schemes like the new Girvan Primary School being one of the latest.

"We continue to invest in our communities and are spending on ICT to help improve customer interactions. We're also set to invest over £30m over the next 12 years on roads and infrastructure to help improve connectivity.

"Due to the current economic pressures, this is an ambitious Capital Investment Programme, but I think it will help South Ayrshire to flourish."

The General Services Capital Investment Programme 2026/27 to 2037/38 can be found at https://www.south-ayrshire.gov.uk/media/17417/General-Services-Capital-Investment-Programme-2026-27-to-2037-38/pdf/Item_5_SAC190226_GS_Capital_Investment_Prog_1dy5ig1ld2413.pdf?m=1770998914050