Passers-by on John Finnie Street will have noticed a striking new feature on the scene – the beautifully refurbished Opera House building, complete with stunning windows.
Restored to its former glory, the sandstone frontage is the perfect setting for the windows which feature images of the Opera House’s vibrant past, along with vintage Kilmarnock Standard headlines, such as ‘Temple of the drama’ and ‘Alarming fire at the Opera House buildings’.
The windows were designed by a partnership of St Joseph’s Academy students and East Ayrshire Council. The enterprising trio of Scott Bracki, Liam Gallagher and Siobhan Connelly – who have now all left school – researched the building’s past, with help from Kilmarnock and District History Group.
Marie Macklin, CEO of contractors Klin Group, appointed the young people in August 2011 to develop decals for the ground floor windows. A financial donation was made to the school for their services.
The windows depict scenes from the glorious past of the Opera House – which has seen service as a theatre, church, a saleroom and a nightclub, in its time.
Notes of a tune running across the six windows link the scenes taken from old photographs. It’s a tune dear to the heart of many in Kilmarnock – Paper Roses.
Marie Macklin said: “This is what regeneration is all about – involving the whole community, especially our young people.
“We could have appointed a company from the private sector for this service, but to involve the pupils through the Council’s school enterprise and business leaders programme was the right decision”.
Councillor Stephanie Primrose, Spokesperson for Lifelong Learning, said: “This project provided a marvellous opportunity for students to work with professionals and experts from start to finish – and the inspiring outcome is there for all to see and enjoy for generations to come”.
Marie Macklin is one of the business leaders linked to the Council’s Business Enterprise Fund, which aims to make school leavers more ready for the world of work, by developing the necessary skills and attitudes.
Kilmarnock Academy students have also been commissioned to produce a mural for the entrance of the building.
