Ex- Grammar could be turned into flats

Architects believe an historic school could be transformed into a nursery, restaurant and bar, museum or block of flats among other options.

Ayr Grammar will become empty in January when primary pupils move to the refurbished Academy on Fort Street.

Firm BDP architects was hired by South Ayrshire Council to come up with ideas on what the 1868 building could become.

It produced a range of suggestions including food hall, bar, art venue and homes. The company said the building could potentially house 10 flats.

Officials propose the Grammar should be declared surplus to requirements, and that means the council could sell it.

It sits on a prominent site near the town centre close to upmarket leafy streets such as Bellevue Road.

A report prepared for councillors said: “BDP have indicated that in terms of options for the future use of the school the following uses such as nursery or early years, archive or museum, bar, restaurant or food hall, events and art venue and residential use should merit further consideration.”

Councillors are due to decide on the next steps for the building at a Leadership Panel meeting on Tuesday ( October 27).

It is proposed that officers should look at the future use of the Midton Road property and come back with suggestions.

Councillors will also judge whether it can be declared surplus.

A paper prepared for ruling SNP and Labour politicians said: “The proposal is that all of these options should be considered with regard to the future use of Ayr Grammar primary school and officers will develop proposals for consideration by the Leadership Panel in January 2021.

“Ayr Grammar will become vacant when the new school at the former Ayr Academy is opened in January 2021. It is proposed that Ayr Grammar is declared surplus to requirements when the new school is opened in January 2021.”