Fears over the future of John Pollock Centre
Plea to help fund new community hub in North Ayr
Calls have been made to find cash to build a new community hub for people in the north of Ayr.
The plea comes as the John Pollock Centre, which has been described as “unfit for purpose”, is facing an uncertain future.
And it is feared that the Mainholm Road facility may only have a year left before it is closed.
The issue was raised at this month’s North Ayr Community Council that was attended by councillors Ian Cavana and Ian Davis and senior council officer Mark Baker.
Robert Green, secretary of the community, insisted there was a desperate need for a community hub in the north of Ayr.
And he asked: “Can councillors tell me about the John Pollock Centre being bulldozed?”
Tory councillor Ian Davis replied: “I don’t think there is much we can say.”
Mr Green added: “How can you guide the community council to get funds for a community hub?
“It could be on similar lines as the new one in Maybole.”
Mr Baker said a few community groups in the area had been raising the same issue.
He revealed that there were a few options to consider but the council would need to engage with the community first.
“We need to find out what spaces and places are available and what is required,” he added.
“We need to get groups together to find what the solution is.”
Mr Green said his preferred option would be to build a new facility in the existing grounds of the John Pollock Centre and that would be an ideal location for people living in Lochside, Dalmilling, Whitletts and Craigie.
Labour councillor Ian Cavana said the John Pollock Centre was given a “state of execution” after council’s plans for moving local authority workers into the proposed controversial Riverside development was axed in the summer.
“This time next year the John Pollock Centre would really be under pressure,” he declared.
“I would love to see a new complex built to the right of the existing John Pollock Centre.”
The community council heard that the John Pollock Centre is a well- used community facility for groups including line dancing, netball, keep fit, bingo and other activities.
Councillor Cavana added: “It is the hub of the community. But it needs a new build. There is no definite plan just now but time is ticking.
“The building is not fit for modern days.”
Mr Green asked for the council’s help to access funds to build a new community hub.