New Police Scotland station officially opened in Ayr
The newly refurbished Newton House is designed to 'reflect modern day policing'
Police officers in Ayr are marking the official opening of a brand-new station on Green Street Lane.
Newton House is a refurbished building designed to reflect modern day policing with a multi-faith room and a gender neutral toilet.
Ayr Police Station had been located at King Street for almost 50 years, having opened in 1975, But Police Scotland says the building has deteriorated over time and was no longer suitable for policing, with growing maintenance costs.
Officers and staff are now working from South Ayrshire Council’s Newton House, providing a more modern and functional working environment at a well-known Ayr landmark.
Opening the new police station Chief Constable Sir Iain Livingstone QPM said:
“Newton House is an example of how we can serve our communities more effectively and at better value to the public while providing officers and staff with the modern accommodation and facilities they need.
“Police Scotland inherited a very large and ageing estate, much of which was in a very poor condition and collaborations such as this will continue to be an important part of how we police for, and with, our local communities.
“I am grateful to our colleagues at South Ayrshire Council and the officers and staff who contributed to this work and who serve the people of Ayrshire day in, day out.”
Divisional Commander for Ayrshire, Chief Superintendent Faroque Hussain, said:
“This has been a significant improvement to the working environment for officers and staff and the atmosphere since we’ve moved has been extremely positive.
“Policing can be pretty relentless at times and people now have that extra space and better conditions to work and recuperate after often challenging shifts.
“Newton House is already a well-established community landmark, and only half a mile from the old King Street premises, giving us that continued presence to deliver policing services to Ayr and the surrounding towns, villages and communities.”
Iain Campbell, Provost of South Ayrshire said: “This is an example of partnership working at its best. Newton House was not being significantly used by the Council, so when the police said they were looking for new premises, we worked with them to ensure Newton House ticked all the boxes.
“The move means the police are still in the heart of the community which is great news for Ayr and the surrounding area.
“In Maybole, we worked with the police to facilitate their move into the new Maybole Community Campus, and we are happy to support them as the review of their estate continues.”