Council leader Peter Henderson has hit back at critics of a controversial community building in an historic part of Ayr.

On Tuesday, July 13 councillors approved a council plan to build the flat roofed single-storey pavilion on the former riverside Woolworths site. 

It was slammed as out of keeping with the stunning architecture of the town.

But standing up for the structure design, SNP Councillor Henderson said: “It will be a community facility and will be carbon neutral. 

“It will give people a place to go and enjoy a cup of coffee when it is raining and enjoy the views.

“It will have meeting rooms and disabled access.” 

Toilets will also be available inside. 

Councillor Henderson pointed out there were similar building designs in London and Edinburgh and said just because it is wooden “doesn’t mean it won’t last.”

Defending the pavilion, he said: “The same building is in Windsor Park in London and Princes Street in Edinburgh.”

Insisting that the new property got too much criticism, he said: “No building will suit everyone’s needs.”

Commenting on the planning strategy for Ayr, he said: “The whole idea of the bottom of the town is about heritage. 

“We want to highlight the historic significance.”

The pavilion will sit in a newly created public park featuring seating and planting.

Councillors also voted to knock down an old town house, which borders the site at the Regulatory Panel meeting.

Councillor Henderson said: “There is nothing special about it whatsoever.”