Consultations on the future of Ayr Town Centre begin this week
PUBLIC consultations on the future of Ayr town centre have been organised.
South Ayrshire Council, Ayrshire Roads Alliance and Sustrans are developing plans to significantly invest in the town centre streetscape in an attempt to make it a “vibrant and more attractive place” for people to visit as well as making it easier to access for walking, wheeling, and cycling.
As part of the project, a series of business and public consultations have been organised by Accessible Ayr to help feed in to the design work.
An initial survey sought the views of businesses and residents located on the streets to be redesigned including High St, Sandgate, Kyle St, Alloway St, Newmarket St, Fort St, Carrick St, John St, Station Rd, Smith St, Burns Statue Sq, River St, Main St, King St, Allison St, Barns Crescent, Wellington Sq, Pavilion Rd and Miller Rd.
Key concerns raised from this included empty shops, a lack of independent retailers, uneven pavements, accessibility, public transport issues, and a general lack of investment in the town centre.
Councillor Bob Pollock, Economic Development Portfolio Holder for South Ayrshire Council said: “It’s important that people view the proposals and have their say. These suggestions would significantly change the physical environment in Ayr Town Centre, making it easier to access for pedestrians and cyclists and making it a more attractive and welcoming place to visit and spend time. ‘It would change the environment, making it easier to access for pedestrians and cyclists’
“I would encourage members of the community and any business who have not engaged with the consultation so far to get involved.”
Daniel Prince, Senior Grant Advisor for Sustrans said: “Accessible Ayr is a groundbreaking project that will make walking, wheeling, and cycling easier and safer for everyone travelling in and out of the town centre.
“We look forward to continuing to work closely with our partners on the project, as well as to hearing the ideas of people living and working in Ayr.”
Public drop-in events are being held at The Grain Exchange on High Street on Thursday, November 17 from 12pm until 4pm and on Saturday, November 19 at Ayr Central Shopping Centre on Skye Square from 12pm until 4pm.
The plans will also be available to view online from November 14 at https://www. south-ayrshire.gov.uk/ accessible-ayr
The public have until Monday, December 12 to feed back their comments either in person or online at https:// www.south-ayrshire.gov.uk/ accessible-ayr
Those unable to access the website can email lesley@ streets-uk.com or call freephone 0800 987 5990.