Troon Library move may be on the cards
Trump, who is currently on the campaign trail hoping to secure a second stint as President, is keen to lure back a future Open Championship to the Ayrshire links and has proposed a “remodelling” at the seventh hole and eighth tee.
Plans were previously lodged with South Ayrshire Council to relocate the seventh hole - ‘Roon The Ben’ - closer to the sea by moving it west and right next to the coastline.
And tees for the eighth hole, ‘Goat Fell’, would be moved to the right of the planned new seventh hole.
Now proposals have been approved by council planners.
A supporting statement lodged to the council said: “The proposed alterations are to enhance the overall golfing experience for all members and visitors and to facilitate the return of The Open Championship to Turnberry and South
Ayrshire.
“The further remodelling of the Ailsa course as proposed is likely to have a positive impact on future prospects of attracting The Open.”
The documents flagged up a potential environmental issue to be managed, as the remodelled eighth will cause a “slight intrusion” on the surrounding coastal fixed dune grassland, with more than 13,000sqm of it lifted and re-laid elsewhere.
The course lies adjacent to the Turnberry Dunes Sites of Special Scientific Interest, which is of national importance because of its beetle population.
A preliminary ecological appraisal said any changes
Troon Library could be on the move to the town’s Municipal Building.
Plans have been lodged, seeking permission to convert the ground floor of the Municipal Building, on South Beach. Currently, the space is used for council offices and housing/benefits applicant reception.
Planning papers said:“South Ayrshire Council is looking to repurpose the existing library building in Troon to be a nursery. The existing library facility is proposed to then move directly across the road into the ground floor of the Municipal Building.”
The proposals also include a widening of the entrance ramp to help improve access to the category B-listed building.
Council papers state:“It is proposed that there will be minor alterations to the front elevation of South Beach regarding the existing ramp. This is to widen and regrade the ramp for better compliance with current standards within the available space.
“And new stainless-steel handrails are proposed. A stainless-steel‘Library’sign is also proposed with 600mm tall letters - to be fixed with non-ferrous fixings into the existing mortar beds.”
The planned repurposing of the office space will ensure that the library remains within“close proximity”to the current facility, reducing“inconvenience”for current users.
The planning statement continues:“This addition will also enhance the range of services available to the local residents of Troon at the Municipal Building.
The unique charm of the building will be preserved and improved with the proposed changes, making it a suitable location for a new library resource.”
The proposals are listed as‘pending consideration’on South Ayrshire Council’s online planning portal and a decision on them is expected in May. In January, Ayrshire Live told how proposals to relocate Girvan Library were approved in a bid to draw residents into the town centre and assist with creating a“vibrant and attractive area” to visit.
Those plans involve moving the current facility in Montgomerie Street to a ground floor property in Knockcushan Street, a category B-listed building, which once housed the local authority’s housing office and customer service centre.