Hourstons plan can spark life
A social enterprise bidding to breathe new life into Ayr High Street can prove “the way forward for business success”.
That’s according to the former chairman of the cross- party group on social enterprises at the Scottish Parliament.
Chic Brodie is helping to broker talks between the Scottish Design Exchange ( SDX) and agents DM Hall, who are handling the sale of department store Hourstons.
The 100,000sq ft property is currently on the market for offers over £ 750,000.
And one plan floated is to subdivide the famous retail hub into smaller units for artists and craftspeople under the SDX model.
They currently boast a presence in Glasgow’s Buchanan Galleries and Ocean Terminal in Edinburgh.
SDX, which has grown from scratch to a £ 1million plus turnover business since its launch in 2015, is in talks with the Confederation for Economic Development Ayrshire ( CEDA), to identify a suitable retail space in Ayr.
SDX chief executive, Lynzi Leroy, held talks with Mr Brodie and sale agents last week.
Mr Brodie said: “Lynzi and the Scottish Design Exchange are testament to the impact that creative social enterprises, working together, can have in challenging and changing the accepted view of retail and in confronting the internet shopping challenge.
“I have long believed this, and any type of social enterprise is the way forward for business success.”