£ 7.5m revamp set for Maybole town centre
Shop local; it’s the lifeblood of a thriving town centre- that’s the voice of a community project ploughing millions into restoring their historic hub.
The relaunch of the Maybole Regeneration Project is underway this week as the Project plans to invest up to £ 7.5m in the town centre and key restoration projects over the next four years.
The project aims to see improved shop front s , restoration of historic buildings including the Speakers, the Town Hall and the Castle, and wider pavements, cycle paths and traffic calming measures on the High Street.
A new website ( www. regeneratingmaybole. scot,) has been set up providing information and individual grants of up to £ 25,000 are available for the upgrade of shop fronts.
Community involvement is key to the success of any regeneration project says Mark Fletcher, Chair of the Maybole Community Council.
Mark said: “A revitalised town centre will benefit all, especially when the Bypass opens and takes lorry traffic away from our historic streets.
“Almost £ 8 million in investment will make a real difference to the fabric of the town centre but lasting value will come from within the community; choosing to shop locally.
“The recent lockdown brought into sharp focus the importance of local shops and it was the smaller shops, such as our local butcher, who stepped up and kept households supplied.
“The phrase ‘ use it or lose it’ has been said many times. To re- invent the story of the town is going to take the whole community.”
The MCC Chair added that Maybole’s vast local produce could “easily lend itself to a Farmers’ Market” which would lower air miles.
Duncan Clelland, Project Lead for the Maybole Regeneration Project, said: “The new website plays a crucial part in disseminating information and providing access to grant funding and I’d encourage everyone in Maybole and the surrounding area to have a look at what is planned and what assistance is available.”
Councillor Brian McGinley, Economy and Culture Portfolio Holder for South Ayrshire Council said the new bypassdue to open 2021- “presents a golden opportunity to redevelop the town of Maybole” and put it back on the map.
Cllr McGinley added: “South Ayrshire Council is proud to support the Regeneration Project and the Project Team is working hand in hand with local organisations to deliver results.
“The new website will be crammed full of information, from updates on the latest projects to advice and funding applications, so I would encourage people visit the website and learn more.”