New design have been revealed by South Ayrshire Council for the Ayr Riverside project.
Plans are being revealed for the second time since 2016, when initial design proposals were put forward for the Ayr Town Centre Riverside Project. Those plans were unanimously rejected by councillors in May 2018 after public backlash - criticising the plans that were going to house 350 of the council's own staff as well as the other ideas for public space. Now the council is back with new design proposals, and you can have your say.
The objective of the new plans are to create an accessible, exciting, functional, stimulating, innovative and modern environment for the centre of Ayr.
These plans will also design a sustainable, energy efficient and environmentally responsible solution which builds on the standards in line with Council policy.
The proposals have been built around public participation with Architectural firm Austin Smith Lord - involving many public engagement sessions held at the Grain Exchange on Ayr High Street.
Austin Smith Lord say the opinions expressed at the 'Emerging Design Proposals Event' have influenced the design of the new riverside area.
The area boasts 8 new flats for town centre living, indoor community space with meeting and events space, storage space and public toilet provision.
Public space of 3650m² which can host events, plus garden and seating areas are also in the plans with potential provision for shelter, a kiosk or outdoor classroom.
The space will be overlaid with an art strategy, showcasing Ayr’s heritage.
A new events space would see a central open space of 25m x 45m, with potential capacity for 24 market stalls, an events stage, utilities to accommodate water points, power supply and temporary lighting and Christmas tree installation.
There is proposals for a new mixed use building to be added to occupy the other buildings that are already there.
The development is car free and three storeys in height; consisting of community use ground floor with 8 x 1 Bedroom flats above (4 per floor).
The building takes advantage of aspects on three sides – to the High Street, newly formed public space and the River Ayr The ground floor plan comprises community use spaces including; - a welcome/ information space - meeting room - open flexible community space (capable of accommodating 200 people seated) - kitchen servery - large store for holding public events (both internally and externally in the newly formed public space) - public toilets (sanitary provision numbers based on building occupant capacity as per Scottish Building Regulations 2019 Technical Standards in conjunction with BS 6465-4 2010) - circulation core for flatted accommodation allowing enclosed access to flats directly from High Street
The proposed building is stepped off of the existing building at 50 High Street beyond the flush-finish frontage forming an access pend to the proposed flats above as well as bin / bike store access.
There is active frontage to the High Street and newly formed public space with community use spaces fronting both.
What are your thoughts on the proposals? You can view the full plans and proposals here:
Members of the public wishing to comment on the proposed development are invited to do so in writing, or by email to the design team who are working with the council on this project:
Austin-Smith:Lord Ltd 296 St Vincent Street Glasgow G2 5RU
Email: glasgow@austinsmithlord.com
No later than Monday 25 May 2020.