Passers-by on John Finnie Street will have noticed a striking new feature on the scene \u2013 the beautifully refurbished Opera House building, complete with stunning windows.<\/p>\n
Restored to its former glory, the sandstone frontage is the perfect setting for the windows which feature images of the Opera House\u2019s vibrant past, along with vintage Kilmarnock Standard headlines, such as \u2018Temple of the drama\u2019 and \u2018Alarming fire at the Opera House buildings\u2019.<\/p>\n
The windows were designed by a partnership of St Joseph\u2019s Academy students and East Ayrshire Council. The enterprising trio of Scott Bracki, Liam Gallagher and Siobhan Connelly \u2013 who have now all left school \u2013 researched the building\u2019s past, with help from Kilmarnock and District History Group.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
The windows depict scenes from the glorious past of the Opera House \u2013 which has seen service as a theatre, church, a saleroom and a nightclub, in its time.<\/p>\n
Notes of a tune running across the six windows link the scenes taken from old photographs. It\u2019s a tune dear to the heart of many in Kilmarnock \u2013 Paper Roses.<\/p>\n
Marie Macklin said: \u201cThis is what regeneration is all about – involving the whole community, especially our young people.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe could have appointed a company from the private sector for this service, but to involve the pupils through the Council\u2019s school enterprise and business leaders programme was the right decision\u201d.<\/p>\n
Councillor Stephanie Primrose, Spokesperson for Lifelong Learning, said: \u201cThis 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\u201d.<\/p>\n
Marie Macklin is one of the business leaders linked to the Council\u2019s Business Enterprise Fund, which aims to make school leavers more ready for the world of work, by developing the necessary skills and attitudes.<\/p>\n
Kilmarnock Academy students have also been commissioned to produce a mural for the entrance of the building.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Passers-by on John Finnie Street will have noticed a striking new feature on the scene \u2013 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\u2019s vibrant past, along with vintage Kilmarnock Standard … Continue reading Opera House windows hit the right note – pupils involved in creative regeneration project<\/span>