Statement from East Ayrshire Council in relation to Dean Street Kilmarnock

East Ayrshire council issued the following statement this afternnon following social media reports on the matter.

“We are aware of recent enquiries to local Councillors and activity on social media in relation to the properties above Dean Street shops in Kilmarnock.

“We can confirm that these residential properties have been sold to a private developer and we are in the process of finalising details of this transfer of ownership.  The private developer is currently on site progressing with their development plans in accordance with the legal agreement we have in place.

“Our Housing Asset Management Framework considered these properties to be surplus to requirements in November 2024. East Ayrshire Cabinet agreed to the disposal of these properties and they were subsequently placed on the open market.

“The purchasers of the flats at Dean Street, Kilmarnock have confirmed to the Council that it remains their intention to place the flats on the open market for sale or rent on completion of the refurbishment works.  This is similar to previous developments where property has been brought back in to use for the local community. 

“These works will not be completed until mid-2026.  The purchasers have no plans to dispose of the property to a company involved in the housing of asylum seekers and have confirmed that contractors and employees involved in the refurbishment works are legally employed to carry out the works.”