RIVER OF DREAMS
Town set for £ 30 million transformation
Bulldozers are poised to change the face of Ayr forever.
Such is the significance being placed on the £ 30 million River Square development, it’s being heralded as the “transformational” saviour of the town. Plans were finally passed on Tuesday
morning, triggering demolition squads to move in to the foot of Ayr High Street within 24 hours.
Redundant department stores blocking views to the River Ayr will make way for a hotel, waterfront cafe, flats and a council office for 350 staff.
At centre stage of the 1.2 acre riverbank will be a feature piazza for events... with the town’s own version of The Shard.
A triangular glass spear will house public events and festivities to bring life back to a tired old area.
Demolition of the old Woolworths, Art Deco Burtons and the original Marks & Spencer buildings from the 1930s is the first physical sign that Ayr is trying to find a future.
The plans by Ayr Renaissance were inspired by the original vision of former provost Gibson T Macdonald who wanted the shunned river to be a proper part of the town.
Renaissance managing director David Bell told South Ayrshire Councillors: “It is clear to us how important this is to the town. The dereliction had begun to spread and was pervasive.
“This will act as a catalyst for the wider regeneration.”
The site, between the Auld and New Brig, is effectively where Ayr spawned from 800 years ago as was an ancient trading hub.
Once the buildings come down - there is a 37 week contract for demolition and clearance - archeologists will comb the ground for artefacts for possible public show.
The first bricks of the new council block - almost certainly as a replacement for Burns House - are likely to be laid in the first half of next year.
James Knox, Chairman of Ayr Renaissance, hailed the start as a “turning point in the fortunes of Ayr.” He said: “Decades of blight will be swept away, opening up the river to the town’s people for the first time in generations. It will act as a magnet for visitors, office workers and inhabitants alike and marks a sea change in the economy of the town.”
The master plan was conceived and drawn up by acclaimed international land artist Charles Jencks, and award- winning Irish architect Niall McLaughlin.
Though in a conservation area and flanked by A- listed Ayr Town Hall and Auld Brig, none of the axed buildings are things of beauty. Dissent was delivered by the Kyle and Carrick Civic Society President Michael Hitchon who said he thought the days of “mass demoliton were over.” In a formal objection he wrote: “We have tried to demonstrate there is at least as case for considering a degree of facade retention.”
Council leader Bill McIntosh said: “This is an exciting moment – not just for Ayr, but for the whole of South Ayrshire.
“The opportunities to open up the river as a feature once again, will breathe new life into the town.”
Plans show four- storey flats and a hotel to the New Brig side of the site, with the new council offices - looking like a block pyramid at the top - at the Old Brig.
Councillor Ian Cavana said the plan was a “long time coming” and he congratulated Ayr Renaissance on their “patience.” He also wanted another building - at 8- 10 High Street - brought down.
He said: “That building is a shambles. I see it as an eyesore at the moment.”
Councillor William Grant backed the development, but said he was concerned phasing of work would leave the site looking ugly. And Councillor Ann Galbraith - who hailed the development as “wonderful” - was astounded flats are being touted for students rather than as upmarket apartments for all.
She said: “This is a prime site. I think that is disgraceful, letting students in.”
Committee chairman Peter Convery added: “I love Ayr despite coming from Troon. Ayr is the county town and this will be transformational.”