PROPOSALS to transform the area around Ayr's railway station are being drawn up by council bosses.

South Ayrshire Council says that the creation of a new railway station and/or transport interchange is the "only viable option" for the area - suggesting that the future for the fast-deteriorating Station Hotel may be bleak.

The council has already voted in favour of demolishing the southern section of the privately-owned building.

The local authority is now set to produce an Ayr Town Centre plan, including proposals to transform that part of the town.

 

The document will include plans for a new railway station and/or transport interchange, as well as transforming nearby Burns Statue Square.

Network Rail is also considering concepts for a newly integrated railway station, taking advantage of any demolition work at the Station Hotel.

Both of these plans will build on the findings of the Ayr Station Hotel phase 2 option review, published in June, which shortlisted some options for the building.

The independent study is available to view at https://www.south-ayrshire.gov.uk/ayr-railway-station.

The study provides more detail on four options for the B listed building, but ultimately says that the only viable solution is a new railway station and/or transport interchange for taxis, buses etc.

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Mike Newall, depute chief executive and director of housing, operations and development at South Ayrshire Council said: “We have taken a decision to remove the southern section of the building, but this was never going to happen overnight.

"In addition to finding the £6.6 million quoted for the demolition, we need to work with our partners to plan for the future.

"A new modern railway station with a transport hub is the only way forward and we are working with our partners to make this a reality.

“This area is one of the main gateways into Ayr and it needs to be far more welcoming.

"We’re working on a new town centre plan which will complement our vision for the railway station as well as provide more detail on other regeneration projects, such as the transformation of Burns Statue Square.

“In the meantime, Network Rail has agreed to pay half the monthly costs of the scaffolding and encapsulation works, and we are very grateful for their decision.”