In a bid to clear up recent speculative comments that have been made regarding the future of the Civic Theatre in Ayr, the Leader of South Ayrshire Council, Councillor Andy Hill, wishes to clarify the Council’s intentions.

Said Councillor Hill: “There are currently no specific plans for the building, however, what has to be taken into consideration is the potential impact of other major developments that are currently proposed in the area surrounding the Civic Theatre.

“These developments include ones being considered by Ayr Racecourse and by the University of Paisley Campus at Craigie.

“The Council has already concluded its consideration of the comprehensive development proposals currently being pursued at the Racecourse through the normal planning procedures, and a public enquiry ordered by the Scottish Government is due to take place later this year.

“The Council has also previously approved the Finalised South Ayrshire Local Plan – following an extensive period of public consultation – with a specific policy, which is site specific to Craigie Estate, committing to the preparation of an overall Master Plan for the integration of education, open space and other uses in Craigie Campus, the aim being to safeguard land for recreational and educational purposes.

“Work on the preparation of the Master Plan continues to be progressed in partnership with the relevant educational institutions. The outcome of that work, which is very much dependent on the input of the other organisations involved, will be reported back to the Council once that exercise is completed.

“The foregoing I hope will clarify why the Council is not currently in a position to make any final decisions about the future use of the Civic Theatre site.”

July 2005