A BUSINESS has lodged plans to take over a former primary school building in South Ayrshire.

St Cuthbert's Primary was relocated to the Maybole Community Campus in August 2023.

The school was one of three primary schools that were vacated as part of the campus development, along with Cairn Primary School and Gardenrose Primary School. 

Crawford Henderson Ltd, a family-owned business creating customised giftware, has applied for a change of use to move into the site. 

The firm is looking to increase its production capacity, with plans to boost staffing numbers from 13 to around 20.

Planning documents state: "Our business has ambitious growth plans and our existing premises will simply not allow us the production space to meet our growth objectives.

(Image: Crawford Henderson Ltd) "We fully expect the new jobs we create will also come from the local vicinity and as such, the consequential effect of us being successful in our bid to acquire the St Cuthbert’s School, will be a significant contribution to the local economy, supporting jobs and families in a community that needs such economic opportunity. 

"We are projecting growth in sales from £1.1m today to £2.5m in the next five years and as such, there will be further benefits to the local economy.

"The former school building lends itself to our production process with large classroom to the rear that can be opened up and offices along the front side. The lower level can be utilised for storage of materials. The intention is to insert a goods lift and staircase to allow ease of movement between levels.

"The site will maintain the existing access and car park that was used by the school. There are 12 parking spaces indicated on the proposed site plan with there is room for more spaces on the site if required in the future."

The business' customers include Diageo, Historic Environment Scotland, The National Gallery, Imperial War Museum, Abbey Road Studios and the Houses of Parliament. 

The full application can be viewed on South Ayrshire Council's planning portal with reference 24/00825/APP.