90 homes set to be built on John Pollock centre
Housing bosses have kickstarted plans to build council homes on the site of the John Pollock centre and high flats in Ayr.
A community centre is also to be erected on the Mainholm Road plot to replace the well used John Pollock building once it is demolished.
The new one and two- bedroom bungalows and flats in Dalmilling are being offered to tower block residents from Riverside Place if they want them.
The homes are to be erected on the playing field behind the John Pollock Centre and on the site of the property once it is razed.
The council’s strategic housing investment plan said more than 100 properties could be constructed on the plot.
A total of 90 one and twobedroom properties would be built in Riverside Place. A time frame for work to start has not been released as tenants must be rehoused first.
High flat residents will get “priority” over existing applicants on the council housing waiting list unless cases are urgent.
Speaking at the South Ayrshire Council Leadership panel this week ( Tues 28 Nov), Councillor Philip Saxton asked for officials to keep high flat residents in the loop.
He said: “Thanks to the residents for their patience.”
People living in the tower blocks also have the option to move into a new development in Waggon Road in Ayr.
Questions were raised at the meeting about what is happening to community groups who use the John Pollock centre.
Council property projects leader Derek Yuille said: “We will work with them to try and find alternative arrangements.”
A paper presented to councillors said: “An area of the Mainholm site has been set aside for a potential community facility.”
Council staff based at the centre are to move out next year.
A contractor and design team are to be hired to get proposals underway at Mainholm Road and Riverside Place.
Leadership Panel councillors approved steps to get projects rolling with public private partnership SWHub.
They also approved a paper to give Riverside Place flat residents priority for housing.
South Ayrshire Council is on course to deliver an affordable home target on time, the meeting on Tuesday heard.