Purple and Gold
A New Beginning based on Old Surroundings!
Allan Mackintosh co-founder of the Facebook group, responds to MP Brian Donohoe’s letter to his constituents.
Brian,
Firstly thank you for responding to my email surrounding concern at your “astronomical comments” in June's Going Out. You have now clarified some of the “mystique” around the figures that have been banded about as in some cases these are being inflated or deflated depending on what the person making the statement wants you to believe.
Before I make comment on some of your points I think the first thing to say is that everyone I have spoken to wants the best educational and sporting environment for the present and future pupils of Marr College so in relation to the people of Troon and SAC we are together in this. The debate centres around what the best environment actually is. As you know we firmly believe (until such time it is proven unfeasible) that a refurbishment with no loss of playing field acreage is the preferred option and at the last public consultation meeting on Tuesday 22nd both SAC and the present Head Teacher were left in no doubt about the feelings of the local population as the vast majority of nearly 300 people (young and old) voiced their support of a refurbishment.
Let me take your points in turn:
- Regards the refurbishment costs we now have a degree of clarity on this although I don't think that there is any talk of SAC buying both the school building and playing fields if this option goes ahead. So, the refurbishment costs would sit at between £26-£32 million. In addition to the Mott Macdonald report we need an alternative opinion in order that these costs can be ratified
- You state that the layout of the accommodation is not considered by professionals as suitable for modern teaching. This is just one opinion and this appears to differ from the view of a number of present teachers who rate that the old building is “fit for purpose” and just needs some TLC. The “new” extension is a different matter and needs replaced. You can understand why many people are suspicious of new builds when we see the state of the extension at Marr and when all around the country, flats and buildings that were constructed as “state of the art” at the time in the 60's and 70's are being pulled down, whilst buildings over 100 years old are now being lovingly restored. Many academic institutions are continuing to operate out of buildings over 100 years old without a drop in the standards and results - its the quality of the teacher that counts although I do agree they should be given a decent environment. I did my teacher training myself and have been involved in corporate training for over 25 years so I know it is the quality of teacher above everything else.
- I agree with you that the listed building status is a challenge and we will be making representation to Historic Scotland on this matter. However, it is only a challenge and one which I believe can be overcome. At present there are too many voices of authority saying “you can't do this” or “you can't do that” which I find unhelpful and quite pathetic and it worries me that we have some people in public service with this attitude. I firmly believe there are ways to overcome the supposed shortfalls of the present College site and which can be done at less cost to the tax payer.
- The pupil decant will depend on exactly what refurbishment goes ahead and when and there are apparently a number of situations where buildings have been renovated whilst it “has been business as usual”. Again another situation which with some good planning and pragmatism can be potentially resolved.
- My research tells me that £30m for a rebuild is fair and as you point out this does not include the cost of buying the playing fields to build on. Also you fail to include the costs of SAC buying their way out the 28 years of the lease from the Marr Trust so unless SAC continue to pay the rent for an empty building (don’t think they can change the use) then there are some other hidden costs to consider before totally up the true cost of a new build on the playing fields.
- Regards the playing fields whilst the attraction of new surfaces is appealing we intend to go down this route anyhow with the present site and there is still a huge question mark over being able to realign the required number of pitches (with correct dimensions) within the remaining 60% of playing surface. With exciting plans from both Hockey and Rugby clubs to grow the numbers playing these sports any loss of surface will be detrimental to these plans. It is my opinion that we would need to find another site(s) to ensure that lost pitches are replaced. lf we are talking about “not fit for purpose” buildings then the present pavilion would have to be replaced as it is not of the standard required for 21st century sporting education. So, lots to think about.
- Finally the Marr Trust hold all the aces at present because they could hold SAC to their present lease thereby ensuring that their income is assured for the next 28 years at the very least - provided SAC pay up!. However, my fear is that SAC will just go down the ‘we've no money' route and once again fail in their legal obligation to bring the present site up to standard. Although this whole situation is a complete mess of both the Marr Trust's and SAC's doing I do believe that with some proper consultation, proper planning and analysis together with a “can do” attitude things can be turned around.
The people have voiced that the preferred option is refurbishment so let's all work together to check whether this is truly a viable option. If not, then lets work together to ensure Plan B works (whatever that is) and that moving forward we ensure that the incompetence involved never happens again. Perhaps there really needs to be a legal investigation as to why the neglect and dereliction has been allowed to happen in the first place.
Thanks for interest and whilst your view seems to differ from the majority of your Troon and District constituents I am sure we can work together to get the best for the people of the area.
Yours Aye,
Allan
Allan Mackintosh
20 Hunter Crescent
Troon KA10 7AH
0776 416 8989