Hotel consultation branded “unhelpful”
A public consultation on Ayr’s Station Hotel has been labelled “unhelpful in the extreme” – by the man leading secret talks to safeguard its future.
Former SNP MSP, Chic Brodie, is representing current building owner, Eng Huat Ung, in ongoing negotiations with South Ayrshire Council.
Both sides are involved in protracted talks over a potential sale of the hotel. Chic, who says a new owner is waiting in the wings, wants council chiefs to rubber stamp a deal that would see the crumbling pile become student accomodation and a boutique hotel.
He said: “I’ve been asked to help facilitate progress at this end on behalf of Mr Ung. Clearly that needs people around the table to come together and see the bigger picture for the town.
“But ultimately, my role is to represent the people of Ayr in this situation as we all need a solution and to move forward with purpose.
“For that reason, holding a public consultation at the same time as delicate negotiations are ongoing has been unhelpful in the extreme. It simply sends out mixed messages on what the future of the building may be, particularly at a time when we are trying to move towards a sale.”
The council, which slapped a Dangerous Building Notice on the site in 2018, is currently undertaking a feasibility study to determine its next move.
It says more than 1200 people responded to its consultation.
A spokesperson added: “The council will work with the owner to find an acceptable solution for the building and the continued operation of the train line.”