South Ayrshire Council News

A new community facility to renew the neighbourhood and regenerate the community in Wallacetoun and Newton, in Ayr is being supported by South Ayrshire Council.

Over a number of years the Council’s Regeneration Team has been working closely with community groups to help them to positively influence the development of their community.

Wallacetoun and Newton Regeneration Forum was established three years ago and plays an active part in the regeneration process. Feedback has highlighted the need to develop new facilities in the area to encourage more effective interaction with local people and to deliver facilities that are of real benefit to the communities.

Councillor Bill McIntosh, the Council’s Portfolio Carrier for Resources and Performance said: “ Wallacetoun and Newton have been identified by the South Ayrshire Community Planning Partnership as priority areas for community regeneration. This is because they have high levels of poverty deprivation and are amongst the most disadvantaged neighbourhoods in Scotland.

“The people of Wallacetoun and Newton are working closely with the Council, and other agencies, to improve services and facilities in their area. By combining training for employment and community activities within the one building it will improve the quality of life for local residents and their prospects for in future years.

“The Council is keen to help those who are actively working to improve their community, and that is why the decision has been taken to give them additional support.”

In July 2007 the Wallacetoun and Newton Community Office at 16 George Street, Ayr was developed with Community Voices funding and opened as an information and referral point. The office is owned by the Council, but managed and staffed by members of the Regeneration Forum. To support the community the Leadership Panel agreed to:

Waive the rental charge for the premises at 16 George Street, Ayr subject to any Statutory approval requirements and any future change in Council policy.

Members of the Forum, supported by the Regeneration Team, have taken the lead on a proposal to establish a Wallactoun and Newton ‘Positive Impact Centre’ (PIC). The vision is that the PIC would house a range of services and activities that would positively impact on the residents of Wallacetoun and Newton. The Forum is pursuing this development in partnership with Access to Employment Ayr, a local social economy organisation and training provider.

A feasibility study, funded by the Big Lottery, concluded that the development of a PIC is a key component to the regeneration of Wallacetoun and Newton. The study recommended the extension and conversion of the Russell Street building in Ayr, provided that funding and support is secured to cover the associated capital and revenue costs. The building is owned by the Council and leased to Access to Employment Ayr, so any future development on this site would require the consent and support of the Council.

A Project Development Group involving representatives from the Council, Access to Employment Ayr and Ayrshire Housing, supported by the Regeneration Team will be seeking to refine the building specification, secure planning and building approval, and identify potential funding streams. This is a significant project with a budget profile in excess of one million pounds, and support from key partners, including the Council and the local community, will be essential if further progress is to be made.

To support the progress of the PIC members of the Leadership Panel agreed to support in principal the use of the Russell Street premises.

Full consultation with local community representatives, various Council departments and partner organizations has been carried out.