More market delays ‘ unforgiveable’
a £ 1 million market for ayr town centre has been hit by MORE delays, writes stuart Wilson.
Council bosses have been forced to admit further blunders at their marquee project.
the former Clydesdale Bank and suburbia Bar had been scheduled to re- open last september.
But officials now say it will be spring 2019 before their plan sees the light of day.
speaking back in March, former ayr Renaissance chief, David Bell, said: “I’m pleased to say work to save this much loved building is nearing completion.”
the Renaissance team has since been disbanded.
Now critics have slammed the latest delay to the long- awaited project.
tory town councillor, Derek McCabe, said: “It is just another example of inactivity on behalf of this council.
“For a project like this to run 18 months over schedule – seemingly without any proper excuse – is unforgivable.
“But sadly you don’t have to look hard to find more cases like this, particularly in ayr town centre.”
the post understands that councillors were promised a Christmas opening for the building – barring bad weather.
But progress has been painfully slow since the exterior of the structure was revamped this autumn.
two upstairs floors are to become council offices.
Workmen in hi- vis jackets have since been posted inside at regular intervals, but an open date remains some way off.
a council spokesman confirmed: “the main works on the ground floor are now complete with a final fit out stage due to get underway shortly.
“the building is scheduled to open in spring 2019.”