Council launches survey on ways to improve Ayr Town Centre
A number of high-level projects are being proposed
Last updated 16th Jan 2024
South Ayrshire council has launched an online survey for residents to give their views on ways to make the town centre a better place to work and live.
The Ayr Town Centre Framework sets our a number of projects the local authority says can improve the area in a sustainable way, making it more attractive to visitors and businesses.
These include proposed redevelopments to Robert Burns Square and a Hourstons and Arran Mall Care Village project which is trying to become one of the first care villages in Scotland.
There are also hopes of making the esplanade more accessible and the development of the Kyle Quarter.
'Pride of the West Coast'
Councillor Alec Clark, Tourism, Culture and Rural Affairs Portfolio Holder said: "We are quite determined that there will be investment in the town and that investment will be in the short-to-medium term and people will see results.
"Ayr is the county town, and it deserves to look like the county town. At the moment, it's looking like a shadow of itself, but we are determined that would change.
"We understand the difficulties that retailers have been going through, especially in Smith Street and other places.
"We want Ayr to be easy with itself, to be proud of itself and have a civic pride, and we will work with all parties through tourism, through culture and through town centre regeneration to make sure that Ayr gets what it deserves and it can be the the pride of the West Coast as far as towns are concerned again."
Station Hotel plans
Another development on the table is the creation of a new transfer hub on the site of the Staion Hotel.
The building was badly damaged by fire in September 2023, having a negative impact on local shop owners.
READ MORE: Ayr businesses struggling to get trade back after Station Hotel fire
Councillor Clark added: "We've had the duty to make that building safe, and I know there's been a lot of people who've had different views on it.
"But the building was in a dangerous structural state and it has an independent private owner, so there's all sorts of legalities to be done there.
"But the end vision there is to have that transformed into a a real modern transport hub at the centre of the town to have a real welcome for people coming out to say that this is a vibrant town, a modern town, a go-ahead town."
You can access the survey and give your suggestions HERE.
There will also be a series of public engagement drop-in events which will take place at the Cutty Sark Centre on January 17, 18, and 27.