Kilmarnock SURFs to victory in regeneration awards
Kilmarnock is officially Scotland’s most improved large town after being awarded the title at last night’s SURF awards. SURF is the Scottish Urban Regeneration Forum, a not for profit organisation which teams up annually with the Scottish Government to present awards for Best Practice in Community Regeneration. This year’s contest for the Most Improved Large Town was eagerly embraced by regeneration teams from Kilmarnock and Irvine, the other nominated finalist. Provost Jim Todd accepted the award with Tracy Murray, Chair of Kilmarnock Business Association. He said: “We always said whatever the outcome in this competition, the ultimate winner was Ayrshire. It’s great that our neighbours were nominated too. “But for us to win the ultimate accolade is testament to the fantastic efforts of all those who’ve been instrumental in bringing about the changes recognised by this award. “Within Kilmarnock we are clear that regeneration isn’t just about renovating historic buildings. It is about working with our communities and businesses to recognise, celebrate and preserve our proud history while creating opportunities for those who live in, work in or visit the town.” Tracy, who also owns Cove Boutique in Bank Street, added: “Independent businesses are a key factor in what makes Kilmarnock unique and we are proud to have businesses in the town we love. “We are thrilled to receive this award which recognises all the improvements that have taken place in the town in recent years. But there is still much more that we want to do and we are excited to play our part in Kilmarnock’s ongoing regeneration.” Rev David S Cameron of New Laigh Kirk is part of Kilmarnock’s Community Action Plan group. He said: “The Community Action Plan group, which consists of town centre businesses, faith groups, voluntary organisations, Police Scotland, the Council, Ayrshire College and representatives from youth groups, is extremely pleased that Kilmarnock has been named most improved town. “The group works collaboratively towards collective goals. It isn’t about individual agendas; it is about working together for the benefit of all. “This is the approach we all took towards the SURF awards nomination. We are proud of our town and recognise that big improvements have been made. Yes, there is still work to be done but we are on the journey together and this national recognition is certainly a huge step in the right direction.” During the judging process, a team of six judges from SURF visited Kilmarnock in early November to view the town centre’s regeneration projects which have come to fruition over the past five years. The tour included a visit to the viaduct area of Kilmarnock to see the new Council homes and the improved Foregate car park with its new lighting and planting. Bank Street, where every shop is occupied, was next before the judges continued on to John Finnie Street where they met with businesses including Faulds the Butchers whose premises have benefitted from Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme (CARS), Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI) and Council funding. They also viewed the Opera House and the Johnnie Walker Bond which have been completely renovated with an investment of £12.4m, bringing 900 employees into the heart of the town centre. The tour finished at the top of John Finnie Street where judges visited the Kilmarnock Station Community Village and enjoyed lunch at WG13. Formerly disused rooms in Kilmarnock Railway Station have been successfully refurbished and re-opened in an initiative which brings together East Ayrshire Council, the voluntary sector and the station owners to create a vibrant hub in the magnificent sandstone building. WG13 is an arm of the Council of Voluntary Organisations (East Ayrshire) Ltd, which is a registered Scottish Charity, and is housed within the former Goodfellows building. Councillor Douglas Reid, Leader of the Council said: “I am absolutely delighted that Kilmarnock has won the Most Improved Large Town award. While we were on the tour of Kilmarnock with the judges, what really hit home was how much has been achieved by working in partnership with businesses and communities. “WG13, which has been newly acquired by the Council for Voluntary Organisations (CVO), is the perfect example of what can be achieved from joint working. The iconic building which was refurbished thanks to CARS funding, has been turned it into a multi-purpose centre, with a fine dining restaurant staffed by professionals and trainees with special educational needs, a meeting space and function suite. “Our regeneration work has involved all sectors: public, private and voluntary, and that’s what has made it work so well. “Now that we have won the award, people are taking stock and appreciating that Kilmarnock really does deserve to be called the ‘most improved town in Scotland’. There’s a real vibrancy in the town and a renewed pride in what has been achieved so far. “But we’re not resting on our laurels just yet. We’re delighted to have won this award, but we’re also sure that there is much more still to come.”