Johnnie Walker plant revamp could create 1,000 jobs

DEVELOPERS planning to revamp the site of former Johnnie Walker bottling plant say the regeneration could create 1,000 permanent jobs.

The plant in Kilmarnock shut in 2012 with the loss of 700 jobs, despite strong protests to owner Diageo, ending the brand’s 192-year connection with the Ayrshire town.

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

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

East Ayrshire Council’s cabinet approved £2m of support for the project yesterday, although the scheme will be mainly funded by the private sector.

The council now plans to seek an extra £10m through the growth deal, which was drawn up by the three Ayrshire councils and has a total project value of £359m.

Other projects include both road and rail improvements and also support for the aerospace industry at Prestwick.

Kilmarnock-based developers the Klin Group’s proposals for the site include two business centres, a cultural hub and an 1,000-capacity education, conference and exhibition centre.

It also plans a sports centre, 3,000 sq metres of offices, 175 homes, landscaping and a district heating system.

East Ayrshire Council leader Douglas Reid said: “These proposals will greatly contribute to the regeneration of Kilmarnock”

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.”