Overhaul of whisky plant set to create 1,000 jobs

DEVELOPERS planning to regenerate the site of the former Johnnie Walker factory in Kilmarnock say the work could create 1,000 jobs.

The whisky bottling plant shut in 2012 with the loss of 700 jobs – despite strong protests to owner Diageo – and ended the drink’s 192-year connection with the Ayrshire town.

Diageo now plans to donate 23 acres of land at the site and has pledged £2million for a proposed regeneration scheme for homes, offices, leisure facilities and a conference centre.

The offer is subject to the initiative securing funds from the Scottish and UK Governments through the Ayrshire Growth Deal.

East Ayrshire Council approved £2million for the project yesterday, although it will be mainly funded by the private sector.

The council plans to seek an extra £10million through the growth deal.

Proposals for the site by Kilmarnock-based developer the Klin Group include a sports centre, 32,000 sq ft of office space and 175 homes.

East Ayrshire Council leader Douglas Reid said the proposals would ‘greatly contribute to the regeneration of Kilmarnock, breathing new life’ into the site.

David Cutter, president of global supply and procurement at Diageo, said: ‘Our ambition has always been to see this site redeveloped to the benefit of the local economy and community.’