Pressure on council to share their plan

Council chiefs have been challenged to publish their plans for a surviving section of Ayr’s Station Hotel.

SAVE Britain’s Heritage have laid down the gauntlet on what the future will be for the North Wing of the historic building after admitting defeat over the South Wing/Gable End - which has been torn down by demolition crews - as part of urgent safety works, following a major inferno last year.

The South Wing of the Victorian relic was left hanging by a thread after a blaze ripped through its historic walls on Monday, September 25 last year. Crews have worked tirelessly to tackle the crumbling structure which was previously encased in a protective white covering since 2018, as part of a Dangerous Building Notice.

Demo-crews have clawed away at the crumbling walls, as they’ve painstakingly pulled the structure down piece-by-piece.

But the North Wing of the former plush hotel survived the brunt of the flames, with safety crews having already removed loose timber and charred remains in the week’s following the fire, before they tackled the dangerous South Wing.

Now campaigners have put together an open letter to South Ayrshire Council, which has been backed by TEN local and national heritage organisations, including organisations in Glasgow and Ayr’s own Station Hotel Community Action Group.

The letter, addressed to chief executive

Mike Newall and council leader Martin Dowey, has called on officials to immediately publish their next intentions, as they seek clarity on exactly where the demolition will end.

Campaigners believe that the North Wing has a “bright future,” and that a fully restored and fully occupied tower and North Wing would create a “lively entrance to the town.”

Henrietta Billings, director of SAVE Britain’s Heritage, said: “As the demolition contractors advance, and since the council has not declared its intention for the rest of the privately owned building, we seek urgent clarification on where they will call a halt to the demolition and urge them to reveal their plans for the site.

“South Ayrshire Council, please set out your positive vision for the future use of the North Wing and tower of the former Station Hotel and assure us that Ayr’s remaining historic buildings are safe in your hands.”

Esther Clark of the Ayr Development Trust said the Trust are concerned over the damage that has been caused to Ayr’s “historic town centre,” due to the demolition works on the South Wing.”

She said: “The council must now declare its intentions and commitment to ensuring the tower and North Wing, both of which were far less affected by the fire, are preserved as key elements of the emerging Town Centre Strategy. Future generations deserve to experience the Station Hotel in real life, not just in historic photographs and demolition footage.”

Bruce Collier, chair of the Ayr Station

Hotel Community Action Group, added: “Ayr has, over the years, lost too much of its historic fabric, diminishing its attraction for residents and visitors alike.

“We must now seek to protect as much of the remaining historic fabric as possible, including the North Wing and tower of the former Station Hotel. We call on the council to demonstrate that it respects and values this important heritage.”

A council spokesperson said: “Safety works are still taking place on the southern section of the building. When these works are complete, an assessment will be carried out on the tower and the northern section.

“This assessment will determine any future course of action and any decision will be made public.”