Barr Construction, one of the UK’s leading construction companies, has secured a contract worth £2.2 million to construct two new young person’s residential units in Kilwinning, Ayrshire

North Ayrshire Council has appointed Barr to deliver the single storey units which will be on Redstone Avenue and Pennyburn Road. The facilities will be used to look after young people who are not able to stay at their family home for a wide variety of reasons.

Barr is due to complete work on both buildings in early 2011 and each will have the capacity to accommodate young people aged between 10 and 16 and will also incorporate staff facilities.

Both the Redstone and Pennyburn units will feature a number of green technologies including solar panels, sun pipes and under-floor heating. Each will have a car park and access road and Barr will also carry out landscaping works on the sites.

Paul Griffen, divisional director of Barr Construction, said: "We are pleased to have secured the contracts for these residential facilities and are looking forward to creating two first-class facilities for North Ayrshire Council.

"These units will provide an important service to young people in the North Ayrshire area and we are glad to be constructing two modern buildings which will meet the needs of both the residents and staff who will stay in them."

Sandra Paterson, Head of Children, Families and Criminal Justice for North Ayrshire Council, said: "Young people are looked after for a variety of reasons, most of which are completely outwith their own control."

"The Council is committed to providing them the support and encouragement necessary to ensure they achieve their full potential and these modern, up-to-date units will create a stable, supportive and welcoming environment in which young resident can thrive."