Plans to regenerate several key sites in Ayr have received further backing from South Ayrshire Council.
A one year business plan has been approved for Ayr Renaissance which commits £269,000 for 2018/19 on projects aimed at transforming the heart of the town.
This coincides with revised plans being submitted for the Council’s proposed Riverside Office development on High Street. The £11 million project will have capacity for 350 workers and creating a new public space.
A planning application was submitted for the project in January 2018, with strong public feedback commenting on the proposals. As a consequence further consideration has been given to enhance the design. The revised proposals for the south and west elevations has changed the layout of the top floor to create a step back between the top two floors.
Also being progressed, is the Council’s new scheme for the old Ayr Academy that will see it redeveloped as a replacement Ayr Grammar and new Archives and Registration facility.
To showcase work underway, or planned for Ayr, a public exhibition will take place on Tuesday 27, Wednesday 28 of March and Tuesday, 3 April, in Ayr Town Hall from 11:00am-8:00pm.
This will provide an opportunity to see the work that is being progressed in Ayr together with designs and drawings, with staff on hand to discuss the projects in more detail.
The new Ayr Renaissance business plan highlights a number of projects that complement the Council projects:
Work is nearing completion on the former Clydesdale Bank on High Street with the building due to open its doors this summer as an indoor market and an events space.
A review of Burns Statue Square is considering ways to reconfigure the square to improve public space and traffic flow as well as identifying sites for development.
A town centre strategy, heritage trail and feasibility study for the Affleck’s block near the town hall to highlight future regeneration projects.
Councillor Douglas Campbell, Leader of South Ayrshire Council said there are now clear signs of progress, “We’re investing heavily in South Ayrshire’s people and its places and remain committed to leaving a lasting legacy for generations to come.
“It’s an exciting time to be involved in the regeneration of Ayr town centre with progress underway on a number of innovative and inspirational projects.
“We want to ensure that all of our towns are vibrant places and encourage even more people to experience everything that our high streets have to offer. I look forward to building on our current momentum in the months ahead.”