Trains between Ayr and Glasgow to resume as Station Hotel works near completion
South Ayrshire Council and Network Rail are working to restore a full service from the station before the end of July
Safety works at the former Station Hotel in Ayr should be finished within the next week, with trains set to resume between Ayr and Glasgow.
The Southern section, including the tower, and the first three bays of the northern section has been removed from the historic building, and South Ayrshire Council says while the rest is in poor condition, it's not an immediate safety risk.
Emergency works were ordered by the Council’s Building Standards team following a devastating blaze last September
READ MORE: Two teenagers charged as fire crews battle Ayr Station Hotel blaze
The former Station Hotel is a Grade B listed building and there are strict criteria limiting any demolition.
The council says the works have addressed the risk of collapsing chimneys, fire damaged supporting beams and crumbling walls
When the Council's safety works finish on 17 June, ScotRail will be able to reintroduce electric services between Ayr and Glasgow.
Due to the extended period of closure Network Rail will then need to complete all activities required to re-establish services south of Ayr, with a target of a full return of services later in July.
Mike Newall, Chief Executive of South Ayrshire Council said: "For over 10 years, we have been actively working to protect the public and the critical infrastructure of the railway.
"Our responsibilities have increased significantly since the devastating fire last year, but throughout we have maintained and developed strong working ties with our key stakeholders, particularly Network Rail and ScotRail.”
Safety works at the building were halted at the start of May when its owner entered a legal battle with the council.
READ MORE: Work to demolish Ayr Station Hotel halted
Property tycoon Sunny Ung accused council chiefs of demolishing the hotel without giving him any notice.
A court would eventually rule in the local authority’s favour.
In his statement Mike Newall continues: "We issued the Dangerous Building Notice to the owners in advance of our safety works finishing and Network Rail has begun the works to satisfy the requirements of that Notice and facilitate the re-opening of the railway station.
"We continue to pursue Mr Ung for sums due in respect of the safety works, and decrees that have been awarded in the Council's favour in both the Sheriff Court and Court of Session. Debt recovery action is being taken in both the United Kingdom and in Malaysia."