Labour Group leader says flattening high flats is right

South Ayrshire Labour’s leader has reiterated the reasons for demolishing Ayr’s high flats after the Conservatives vowed to retain them.

Councillor Brian McGinley said:“I have been astonished at the South Ayrshire Conservative Group’s commitment to save the high flats because of the amount of money that it would cost and this has not been recognised nor budgeted for.

“Based on what the Conservatives have stated recently in relation to reversing the decision to demolish the High Flats and bring back into use, the following information are some high level estimates for potential costs.

“There are also costs previously incurred and there would be addressed sums to support resident relocation.”

Cllr McGinley pointed to a feasibility study in 2017, claiming that refurbishment costs have been updated to reflect the situation today.

“However, over the 5 years since the feasibility study was completed, challenging Net Zero and EESSH 2 commitments for Council Housing have been introduced by the Government.

“These will now have to be considered with any refurb and will likely add significant additional costs.

“It has not been recognised that there is extensive asbestos removal required therefore refurb works will need to be completed before any residents return. This is likely to be a minimum of 18 months and more likely two years plus.

“The Conservatives have stated that one of the three towers will be used for“assisted living accommodation”.

“It is not entirely clear if this is what they intended, but this term is normally used to refer to Extra Care Housing which generally has on-site support such as meals, personal care and even communal areas.

“My judgement is, given the client group and risk involved, it is unlikely that the high flats would be suitable for this type of accommodation.”

Cllr McGinley said that £1m had already been spent and suggested that the updated figures for refurbishment would be £23m based on 2022 prices, along with a further £300,000 in relocation costs.

“I am of the strong opinion that the flats are passed their useful life, are not appropriate for modern day living and to try to resurrect the past will lead to a set of poor living quarters with a very expensive unit cost.

“I ask the Conservatives to rethink this position as it is not in the best interests of South Ayrshire residents.”