A FEASIBILITY study by South Ayrshire Council could see the former Hourstons building become a "Living Well Village".

The study, which reportedly cost £150,000, was confirmed back in February 2023, with council bosses looking into what could be done with the former independent department store situated on Alloway Street, which closed down in 2019.

Hourstons, which is now owned by South Ayrshire Council, closed its doors after 123 years in business, with the loss of 81 jobs, with managers saying changes in the way people do their shopping had left them with no option but to shut down.

But now, four years later, the abandoned building could be turned into a Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP) residential village providing care to those who require it.

The recently published feasibility report concluded: "Feasibility work has been undertaken into an option to redevelop the Hourstons building for accommodation for Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP) and option Arran Mall living well village, residential reenablement, care experienced accommodation, family centre and day centre.

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"In addition a mix for varying needs, amenity housing, wheelchair accessible and potential general needs affordable housing, associated landscaping, servicing and access arrangements.

"The outcome of the feasibility work has concluded that the site and buildings available are potentially suitable for these uses.

"South Ayrshire HSCP have confirmed that these proposals meet with their current and emerging operational needs and that these proposals can be accommodated within the former Hourstons Listed Building and the former Arran Mall/Hourstons site.

"Officers will continue to work with South Ayrshire HSCP and NHS Ayrshire and Arran to confirm their operational requirements that could be accommodated within the former Hourstons Listed Building and the Arran Mall."

To read the full study, click here.