Demolition of former town house and Savers’ site

Bulldozers have moved in to flatten an historic town house at the bottom of Ayr High Street.

The demolition of 8-10 High Street is well underway as part of plans to transform the town’s disused riverside into a public events space.

Dramatic images, left, have shown giant diggers clawing apart the landmark and pulling it to the ground.

Dust and debris can be seen falling off the building as bricks are shattered by the heavy machinery.

Hoarding around the site has been extended on a temporary basis to protect the public during the demolition with South Ayrshire Council confirming the works are expected to finish in March.

The former Savers store and iconic townhouse was axed due to safety fears after rubble was reportedly falling from its gable end in 2019.

A conservation charity had hoped to save the crumbling building in the hope it could be transformed into flats.

Kyle and Carrick Civic Society previously appealed to councillors stating it was “one demolition too many”.

The Ayr riverside transformation is set to bring a new outdoor public space for‘entertainment, walking, use of the river and just relaxing’as well as provide a better view of the town hall.

A council spokesperson said:“Work is now well underway to transform the riverside site into a dynamic public events space. The demolition of 8-10 High Street has started and these works are expected to be complete by the end of March. The site hoarding has been extended slightly on a temporary basis to ensure public safety during the demolition. At the other end of the site, archaeologists are currently carrying out an exploratory dig. Work is expected to proceed with minimal disruption.”