Harbouring new ideas at waterfront
Councillors appeal for plans to utilise building
Councillors are appealing for residents to come forth with ideas to utilise the old harbour premises.
The newly refurbished building has had a fresh lick of paint and steam cleaned inside.
Councillors Alec Clark and Peter Henderson are keen to hear suggestions of how the building can be used and someone who could manage it.
Peter Henderson told the Post: “It’s trying to get people in, especially young people.
“I just want to regenerate the building and make use of it.”
Girvan Harbourside has underwent a facelift in recent years with newly opened leisure facility Quay Zone and the addition of the new lifeboat.
The dock had been suffering in previous years but investments have seen the harbour resembling its glory days.
The pair are hoping that utilising the space could bring more tourists in and help the economy.
The Sweetie Shop owner, Cllr Alec Clark said the old building was in a “state of dilapidation”.
He said: “A lot of work has been done in that area - there’s been huge investment in the harbour in the last four or five years.
“It’s got a nice wide pavement so that tourists can cycle and go walking.”
Cllr Henderson added: “The Quay Zone is here so people are wanting more to do.
“My personal preference would be to use it as a smokehouse like it used to be back before the 70s.
“I’m not sure if it can be used as that because of health and safety regulations but we can look into that.”
Cllc Alec Clark continued: “Girvan is a brilliant place.
“We want the environment to be welcoming and give people a civic pride.
“The whole idea to me is to regenerate the economy.
“That smokehouse has great history so it would be a fantastic thing if someone wanted to do that.
“If we can get a social enterprise interested - that’s the vision.
“I’m very positive about it - it’s exciting.”