Your big chance to reshape the shore
Troon’s key visitor draw - the seafront - could be set for a dramatic transformation.
Studies are under way to discover how to rejuvenate the central promenade.
And it could be the economic saviour of the town centre, now struggling with multiple empty shop units.
People are being asked how they would like the sea area developed.
There’s also the possibility that business could be introduced to the shore, rather than just a single kiosk, unflattering crazy golf and basic kiddies’ rides.
A decaying four- sided concrete shelter from the 1950s is set for demolition this week.
And a band stand could be sited on grassland behind the Walker Hall, which already has an undercover viewing area.
The town has become a huge draw in summer with hordes of people coming from Glasgow.
Meanwhile, a plan is being sought that could incorporate the half- filled- in paddling pool, possibly with a bike and skatepark.
Councillor Peter Convery is also calling for colour to replace the drab greys and blacks on the prom.
He said: “I want to hear peoples’ views on what they want, I am not here to dictate.
“We need to add vibrancy and vitality to the central promenade.
“And I would love to see the black seats being replaced with bright colours like they do in Largs.
“There has been talk of palm trees, but what we want is some eclectic ideas from the citizens themselves.
“We need to raise our sights and be more adventurous.”
The area of potent i a l redevelopment would stretch from the play park to and including the Italian sunken gardens.
At Troon Community Council earlier this month there were differing views on whether a skate/ BMX park was right for the seafront due to the noise.
It was suggested North Beach had more space and was “further away from housing.”
A £ 10,000 survey is being carried out to examine possible sites after a successful bid to the Big Lottery Fund by Troon Community Sports Hub.
In recent months, the town has lost established businesses with closures including the Artisan deli on Ayr Street, Shooze with Sole in Portland Street, and three banks, all now lying empty.
Community councillor Erica Williamson was sceptical about a BMX park at the seafront.
She said: “The whole point of a BMX park is that they can get excited and scream. Putting that in the middle of a residential area is, in my opinion, is cruelty to the residents.”
Councillor Ph i l Saxton is keen to push the proposal forward, saying: “If you want something for the kids, then it has got to go somewhere and every time you try and put something in, you get a rejection. We have got to move forward.”
Send your ideas for Troon Prom to peter. convery@ southayrshire. gov. uk