Breathe new life into old gas tower
Ayr landmark is put up for sale
The old gas tower - a landmark in Newton- on- Ayr for the past 57 years - has been put on the market.
While the proposal is the site being offered for sale with the gas holder dismantled, there is the prospect of it being put to new use.
With a little imagination it could become a sports or theatre venue or even a pub and restaurant with terrific sea views over Ayr Bay.
Agents have confirmed that unlike some historic towers, it is not a listed monument.
When full of gas reserves the tower rose skywards in two concertina sections to 183 feet high.
Even when in its empty position it is at least 50 feet high.
Changes in how gas is fed into pipes means there is no need to have vast storage containers.
Owners Scottish Gas Networks have put the site up for sale. It extends to 1.98 acres and is accessed off Weir Road
Selling agent Cushman & Wakefield said: “The Firth of Clyde is very close and clearly visible to the west. The land has potential for light industrial development.” It is understood the price being touted of between £ 50,000 and £ 100,000 includes the tower being broken up.
But a source said: “There could be merit for somebody in retaining it. The steel structure is in good condition and could be put to a variety of uses.”
It is big enough to house tennis courts or an indoor football pitch or could be home to a new indoor climbing centre. Scottish Gas Networks spokeswoman Lynne Edwardson said: “Our gasholders are an important part of our history and a significant feature on many skylines.
“As these structures are ageing and we can now store our gas in our pipes, we’re planning to dismantle half our gasholder fleet by 2021, with the remainder dismantled by 2029.
“We have permission from the Council to dismantle the gasholder and we are aiming to clear the site by the end of the year.”