South Ayrshire Councillors have thrown their support behind the Ayr Town Centre Framework, setting the stage for a transformative decade ahead.
The ambitious blueprint, aimed at revitalising the heart of Ayr, includes the creation of a new Ayr Station & Transport Interchange and the redevelopment of the Kyle Quarter, intending to enhance footfall, extend dwell time, and ultimately boost local spending.
The framework’s backing came after councillors were briefed on the results of a recent public consultation that witnessed considerable community engagement.
The consultation saw 1915 website visits, 214 completed survey questionnaires, 177 attendees at the Cutty Sark Consultation Events, and 1230 comments and suggestions on how to best advance the projects.
Public support for the initiative is strong, with 93% of participants expressing broad support for the framework’s goals. Specific elements also received high approval ratings, including 88% in favour of redeveloping the Kyle Shopping Centre and local area masterplan, 83% supporting the new Transport Interchange proposal, and 85% endorsing the Burns Statue Square Enhancement.
An impressive 94% of respondents advocated for more efforts to promote the town’s creative, cultural, and evening economies, highlighting the community’s desire for a vibrant Ayr.
In response to the consultation, Councillor Bob Pollock, Economic Development Portfolio Holder for South Ayrshire Council, expressed gratitude to all who participated, noting, “The results show there is an appetite for change and that people are supportive of the framework. Some of these projects will take time to progress, so it’s important we have some ‘early win’ projects to build on this enthusiasm.”
Echoing the sentiment of proactive development, Councillor Alec Clark, responsible for Tourism, Culture and Rural Affairs, emphasised the importance of leveraging Ayr’s unique history and identity. “It’s time to recapture Ayr’s sense of place and build on the town’s unique history,” Clark said, underlining the critical role of the creative and cultural sectors in boosting tourism and enriching the local economy.
Councillor Martin Kilbride, overseeing Buildings, Housing, and Environment, pointed out the evolving consumer behaviour and its impact on town centres across Scotland. “There is much more emphasis on entertainment and socialising in our town centres than there was a decade ago. The framework will promote the best that Ayr has to offer as well as introducing landmark projects,” Kilbride stated.
As Ayr embarks on this ambitious journey, the overwhelming community support and strategic council backing signal a bright future for the town, aiming to restore its vibrancy and relevance in the modern age.