Early Years Centre is officially opened in Irvine
North Ayrshire Council Leader Marie Burns has officially opened a state-of-the art Early Years Centre in Irvine.
Former tax office Marress House has been transformed into a modern and welcoming facility in the grounds of the council’s Cunninghame House headquarters.
Head of Centre Deborah Gott and her staff proudly gave a guided tour to Councillor Burns; Depute Leader Shaun Macaulay, who is Cabinet Member for Education and Young People; Irvine South Councillor Christina Larsen and council officers.
As she unveiled a plaque in the reception area of the centre last week, Councillor Burns praised Deborah and her team for creating such a welcoming atmosphere at Marress House and congratulated the Council’s architects and designers for the work they carried out to help breathe new life into the building.
Quote: The staff at Marress House, led by Deborah, do a great job that comes with significant responsibility. As you walk through this lovely, modern, well-equipped centre you can see how happy and engaged the children are – and I look forward to hearing about their future successes.
Quote from: Councillor Marie Burns, Leader of North Ayrshire Council
There is strong evidence regarding the importance of high-quality early learning and childcare in setting children up for a brighter future, including improved school readiness, supporting educational attainment, and enhanced social and emotional development.
It can also allow parents to pursue education, training or employment opportunities, improving the household’s wider economic prosperity and well-being.
The centre, which opened in August 2024, will also be home to the council’s public CCTV and concierge service in a separate part of the building. It also has a training suite, which will be used to enhance the skillset of the early years workforce across the authority.
Quote: This property has been given a new lease of life, and I have no doubt that our young children will thrive here as they learn. All of our early years centres offer great environments for learning in safe and nurturing surroundings, and I am really pleased to see that everyone – staff, children and parents – has settled in nicely here. I would encourage all parents and carers of young children to look into the early years provision that is available within their own community.
Quote from: Councillor Shaun Macaulay, Cabinet Member for Education and Young People
Deborah and her staff are committed to ensuring that the children’s parents and carers feel involved in their learning and development, and baby massage, behavioural support, cooking and Bookbug sessions are hosted at Marress House to bring everyone together.
“It was a privilege to show Councillor Burns, the other elected members and council officers round our facilities and explain our shared ethos of creating a place where everyone feels comfortable and welcome,” added Deborah.
You can find out more about early learning and childcare on the council website.
Published: 31 March 2025