£ 12.5m to rebuild
Fire- hit Belleisle hotel
Council officials have laid out three options to resurrect the ruined former Belleisle hotel costing £ 12.5 million each.
The ideas include finding a firm to lease the Ayr building and convert it into a hotel once more in partnership with the council. A golf academy could be another possibility.
South Ayrshire Council is unlikely to sell the B- listed landmark again after bosses were forced to buy it back for £ 154,000 from a developer when building work stalled.
The council was just about to sign the deal to purchase the hotel when it was destroyed by a fire accidentally started by developer John Campbell and other workers.
It is now back in the hands of the council after they acquired it in June.
Historic Environment Scotland said it is against any demolition so any refurbishment plan would involve rebuilding the shell.
One possibility would see the entire hotel built within the walls of the current ruin.
The other two options involve a new build to the north alongside refurbishment of the shell.
The hotel would have about 20 bedrooms and a function room to host 200 people.
All the options cost about £ 12.5 million.
The future of the lodge house is also to be decided.
Ruling SNP and Labour councillors are due to consider the matter at a Leadership Panel on Tuesday, September 15.
Officials are proposing specialists consultants are hired to invite bids from private firms interested in taking on the project.
Councillors are due to make a decision on whether consultants should be appointed at the meeting.
A council paper said: “Given the amount of the estimated cost to redevelop the building, it is envisaged that a jointly funded model would be required comprising both council and private finance.
“A lease arrangement would also likely be required to be established that looks to protect both the council and private partner interest. This would be as opposed to any outright sale that demonstrably failed previously.”
Belleisle Hotel, the lodge and 2.11 acres of land were first sold by the council in 2012.
Businessman John Campbell announced plans to convert it into a five star venue at the time.