A total of £4.5 million has been spent on the project with new cottage flats, townhouses and bungalows completely transforming the site of the former Whitletts Primary School.

Tenants have already snapped up all 26 of the modern, bright and spacious homes at the appropriately named ‘School Gardens’ development. The new properties are energy efficient and with solar panels on the roofs, it’s hoped tenants notice a significant reduction in their energy bills.

The buildings have a mix of between one and six bedrooms and have been designed with flexibility in mind, for example one-bedroom accommodation can be converted into two if required.

Councillor Philip Saxton, housing and community wellbeing portfolio holder for South Ayrshire Council, said: “I am delighted with the new development; these homes are a great addition to the area.

“The build quality is exceptional and with an eye on tackling fuel poverty, we have ensured these homes have an A or B energy rating which should help with utility bills.

“This project is not just about bricks and mortar it’s about breathing new life into our communities. Our tenants have already settled into their surroundings and I know they are over the moon with their new homes.”

Neighbours Louise Freeburn and Joan Sinclair have already moved into their brand new bungalows. The pair lived beside each other at Westwood Avenue in the town and wanted to keep that close connection.

Louise said: “I love my new home and having Joan next door is a bonus. All the houses look great, they are just a little bit different from each other and don’t feel crammed together.  I went to Whitletts Primary School and although it was sad to see the building pulled down, we now have a great wee community.”

Joan said: “I was living in a three-bedroom property before and it was getting a bit much for me, so my new bungalow is perfect. Louise was offered her house at the same time and we agreed if one of us moved then the other would move too. I am getting to know my new neighbours and I am really happy here.”

Allan Callaghan, managing director for Cruden Building, said: “Cruden Building is delighted to have completed this modern housing development with South Ayrshire Council. Each of the properties is built to a high standard and will be warmer and cheaper to run.

“As with all Cruden Building developments, we supported the local community during construction and were particularly pleased to donate £1,500 to the Domain Youth Centre in the Whitletts area to help create a sensory garden for young people with autism to explore and enjoy.”

Cruden also provided job opportunities for those living in the area; they created a joiner placement and two additional roles on site.

Project funding came from the Scottish Government’s Housing Subsidy programme, South Ayrshire Council and from income generated from Council Tax levied on second homes.