Ambitious plans to kick-start the regeneration of an historic part of Ayr town centre have now taken a major step forward.
South Ayrshire Council has appointed a contractor and design team to develop new office accommodation at the Riverside Block, which will act as the first part of the site’s wider development. Morgan Sindall have been appointed as the project’s Tier 1 contractor, while architects Keppie Design, who were employed to provide the original designs for the new offices, have been appointed as design consultants. Ayr Renaissance submitted a masterplan for a mixed development between High Street and the River Ayr last year. This includes provision for quality office accommodation and housing, as well as for niche retail units, cafes, restaurants and public spaces. The masterplan sets out a commitment to top quality design to an overall scale that respects the surrounding conservation area. With demolition of the existing site now well advanced, the Council is now moving ahead with its plans for a new modern office development that will eventually house around 350 workers. The final design will respond to the requirements of the masterplan and incorporate active space which can be used outside of normal office hours. Councillor Peter Henderson, South Ayrshire Council’s Portfolio Holder for Resources and Performance said it was encouraging to see the development gather momentum, “With the contractor and design team now in place we can start to bring together concrete plans to breathe new life into this landmark project. “Work on site is already making a real difference to the local landscape with the old buildings on High Street now largely demolished, revealing the true scale of the project that will, in time, transform an historic area of Ayr’s town centre. “The Council block is the anchor development for the wider plan, and I look forward to seeing further progress in the coming months as construction work gets underway.” Work is expected to begin in spring 2018, following the conclusion of demolition and archaeological works.
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