Inspirational and exciting action is being planned by South Ayrshire Council to bring about a renaissance of the town of Ayr and firmly re-establish it as the principal shopping centre for South West Scotland.

Initial steps are being taken in a bid to counteract any imbalance that could occur to the attractiveness of shopping in one area of the town of Ayr . to the detriment of another!

The Council is set to carry out an in-depth study of the potential of embarking on a vital regeneration of part of Ayr which is at risk of losing out when superb new shopping facilities open up elsewhere in the town. At the same time the study is expected to look at the overall image - and attractiveness - of the entire town centre.

And consideration is to be given to making use of funding from a £3 million capital resource which has been established thanks to prudent development by the Council in the town's Citadel area.

The move to set up the "desk top study" as an initial blueprint for a major Civic Pride project, is taking place as final preparations are under way for the £50 million Ayr Central shopping mall and which is expected to prove a huge magnet for shoppers - townspeople, or visitors alike - when it opens in just a few weeks time.

Developer Henry Boot has created the new shopping complex on a large site at Mill Street/Kyle Street, and the development is set to house a range of quality shops, stores, covered seating, kiosks and restaurants - plus an underground car park - at one end of Ayr's High Street.

Now the Council is taking action in the hope of restoring a "whole town" shopping experience by encouraging a regeneration of the attractiveness of shopping facilities towards the other end of the town's High Street adjacent to Ayr Town Hall.

Short term redevelopment plans for the Town Hall itself have been put "on hold" until such times as a potential major scheme is looked at, enabling the Town Hall to continue to be available for normal regular use.

The Leader of South Ayrshire Council, Councillor Gibson T. Macdonald explained the decision of the Council's Policy and Resources Committee to instruct a study to be undertaken to consider the best way forward in planning the regeneration of the area bounded by High Street, to the Meal Market; Newmarket Street and Sandgate with a view to making full use of the former Afflecks site in Sandgate.

He said: "There is a very real need for the area to be revitalised, to make it more attractive to people to invest in shop premises, and consequently to make it more attractive to shoppers. The aim of the study is to provide a basis for embarking on a co-ordinated scheme of action that will benefit all - shopkeepers, residents and visitors alike.

"We recognise that the superb Ayr Central shopping development, and the relocation of certain shops to be at this development, or adjacent to it, will likely prove to be a tremendous attraction for shoppers."

Continued Councillor Macdonald: "It will undoubtedly be a great benefit to the town, and hopefully will firmly re-establish that the town of Ayr has the best possible shopping facilities in the West of Scotland.

"There is a real danger, however, that this could reflect on trade in other parts of the town, and in particular on the area linked to the 'bottom end' of the High Street.

"We must look at creating a desire for investors to put money into premises and to commit themselves to taking part in the overall regeneration of the area - and we must examine what role the Council can play in helping to bring out the renaissance of the area.

"The historically-linked Newmarket Street, which was one of the first in the country to be finished with tarmac, at one time housed a thriving business community. It would be tremendous if, after the proper approach is taken, the street could be recreated to the thriving level of activity and prosperity previously associated with the area."

Explaining the capital funding that has built up within the Ayr Common Good fund, Councillor Macdonald said: "During the past 15 years there has been programmed sale and development of Council-owned land in the Citadel area of the town, formerly the Churchill Barracks. As the sale of portions of the land has taken place, obviously the Council has faced various oncosts associated with developments, however it is likely that there will be an accumulated surplus of some £3 million.

"I am keen that at least part of this money is prudently utilised to act as a catalyst to encourage development and investment in the town - and in particular it would be highly appropriate, and indeed desirable, for it to be in the area bounded by High Street, Newmarket Street and Sandgate, and including the Town Hall.

"I want to see a wholehearted effort to raise the profile of Ayr to its previous glory as THE County Town and principal shopping centre for South West Scotland.

"South Ayrshire Council cannot do this on its own. We need the help of everyone from the shoppers who can make a positive effort to keep the place clean, to the shopkeepers to raise their game in terms of prsentation and service and the property owners to invest in the appearance of their property."

The Council Leader added: "The Council will devote spare resources to the project but that in itself is not the answer - it will take the will and co-operation of the whole of the population working together to make this a success. Commerce is the economic generator and wealth creator for South Ayrshire so what is good for Ayr is good for the county. "

February 2006