Fuutre of rail way station
The future of Ayrdepends on developing its well-founded facilities and renowned reputation as a historic town to attract visitors.
It is difficult to obtain information about the intentions of the Scottish Government and Network Rail towards Ayr Station and integral Hotel, despite its immense importance to Ayr’s townscape, its residents and visitors. Historically, the building contributed to Ayr in both architectural and transport terms. This is still the case today. It is more than two years since we started having Action Group meetings and we are no further forward and nearly ten years since the Hotel closed.
On this depends its economic and social future. Ayr Station, as the gateway to the town, is crucial.
The station building is an important aspect of Burns Statue Square. Neither should be lost.
There is a dilemma in the Scottish Government continuing to pay to encase the building in expensive scaffolding and sheathing, which might be contributing to the decline of the fabric of the building.
Now that the Post has reported that SAC has to pay half the cost, a decision is needed at the highest level, but involving the people of Ayr.
I have been told by NetworkRail that they have no plans for trains any longer than the current platforms can cope with, and have no plans for more services. The current site can accommodate a modern railway station to meet the passenger capacity without destroying the hotel building.
The ongoing feasibility study set up through the Task Force follows on from the Structural Engineers’ Report and should include a conservation and environmental audit.
Costs are important and there should be a full comparative cost benefit analysis of short term versus long-term. I should not be surprised if conservation won on both counts.
While we are at it, some transparency would make a welcome change and some responsibility accepted for long term neglect of our heritage at government and local level Esther Clark , Chair Ayr Station Hotel Community Action, Ronaldshaw Park, Ayr